Northeast
NCoS Describes Falana’s Allegation Against It’s Officials Wild, Unsubstantiated, Unpatriotic, Most Unfortunate
NCoS Describes Falana’s Allegation Against It’s Officials Wild, Unsubstantiated, Unpatriotic, Most Unfortunate
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has described the allegation that some of it’s officials are in the habit of arranging for convicts to evade serving terms as wild, unsubstantiated, unpatriotic and most unfortunate.
A respected human rights lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) has alleged last week during a media session titled, “Forget the past, forfeit the future: A nation seceding from humanity”, that some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) allow criminals to escape court verdicts by getting young men who will serve jail terms for criminals.
In a reaction at the weekend to the allegation, the spokesman of Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore said the authorities of the Service “have observed, with great concern, the statement credited to a legal practitioner alleging that some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service allow criminals to evade court verdicts by getting young men who will serve jail terms for criminals. This wild and unsubstantiated allegation is unpatriotic and most unfortunate, especially coming from a respected lawyer of international recognition.”
He added that: “What is more worrisome is a growing consistency by the author to vilify the Nigerian Correctional Service without a just course. It would be recalled that in February 2021, the author alleged that a high profile inmate who was on remand in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna contracted COVID-19 in custody.
“The alarm which insinuated that inmates were kept in squalor and exposed to debilitating health conditions, triggered condemnation from various quarters. Subsequently, an independent COVID-19 test by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in conjunction with the personal physician of the then inmate was conducted. The result came negative without a trace of the disease in her system.
“Now the alarm is being raised over hearsay arrangements to keep in custody, persons other than those legally convicted yet no name of persons or custodial centre is mentioned. The Service is compelled to respond to the allegation in order to correct the wrong impression and prevent disaffection the information is capable of creating in the mind of Nigerians.”
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Enobore said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the process of admitting persons into custody begins with the court where the warrant is issued stating the particulars of the person concerned. At the designated custodial centre, the personal details are confirmed by the superintending officer before further biometrics, including photographs are taken.”
He also explained that: “On routine visits by the Controller in charge of the state, the inmates and their corresponding documents are checked. Furthermore, the Zonal Coordinator conducts his mandatory custodial centre inspection during which these information and general supervision of the yard is carried out. The Controller-General, on his own, carries out unscheduled visits to any custodial centre and prisoners’ records are checked.
“Moreover, Judges, lawyers, statutory custodial visitors, inmates’ relations, religious groups, civil society organisations and host of other visitors regularly interface with the inmates and it is expected that where such incident is observed, an alarm is raised for appropriate action to be taken.”
He said: “Particularly intriguing in this scenario is the fact that author is a public figure like many other distinguished Nigerians, that cannot be denied access to any custodial centre in the country upon request for a genuine course. One therefore wonders why he would resort to wild statement rather than identify a particular culprit with proof of his allegation as would be expected of a patriot.”
Meanwhile he said: “As always, the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa is irrevocably committed to the good course of inmates’ care and support for the betterment of the society and recent commendable performances of the inmates in both academic and vocational skills acquisition bear eloquent testimonials to this positive trajectory.
“While soliciting for constructive engagements and contributions from well-meaning Nigerians towards improving custodial management in the country, the Controller General assures of his unwavering determination to put the Service on a higher pedestal.”
NCoS Describes Falana’s Allegation Against It’s Officials Wild, Unsubstantiated, Unpatriotic, Most Unfortunate
Gov. Buni Commissions Sokoto Water Project
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON COMN, today commissioned water project in Sokoto, executed by the Sokoto state government.
The Governor who was a Special Guest of Honour, commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for executing a people oriented project to address water scarcity in Sokoto.
He said the provision of portable water to the people would curb problems associated with water borne diseases.
Buni charged the people to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit and for the government to have value for its money.
Sokoto state Gov. Ahmad Aliyu said his government is committed to addressing the water scarcity in the state.
He commended Gov. Buni for accepting the invitation to commission the project.
“l sincerely appreciate the honour done to us by my senior brother Governor Mai Mala Buni for accepting our invitation to commission this project” Gov. Aliyu said.
Gov. Buni Commissions Sokoto Water Project
NUJ Awards Zulum Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian Union of Journalists has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with the prestigious media friendly award.
The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.
Governor Zulum is a multiple award recipient owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership including the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among several others.
In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.
“This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish,” Zulum stated.
He remarked that the NUJ, for seven decades, has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.
“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.
Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.
“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.
The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.
“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.
The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.
The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.
NUJ Awards Zulum Media Friendly Governor
Zulum condemns Konduga terrorists’ attack, sympathises with victims
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, condemned the recent suicide attack carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred yesterday around 10:00 pm, targeted a night fish market, killing 12 people and leaving 18 others injured.
Zulum, in a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, expressed grief over the incident, stating, “The barbaric acts committed by these terrorists are not only heinous but an assault on our shared humanity.”
He added, “This is a cowardly and barbaric attempt to instil fear in the people and undermine our collective resilience. The people of Borno are resilient, and we refuse to be cowed by terrorists.”
“I call on the people of Borno to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. We should understand that community cooperation is vital in the fight against insurgency.
Zulum expressed condolences to the families of the victims, emphasising that all well-meaning citizens of Borno share in their pain.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, I extend my deepest sympathies and pray to Allah for the quick recovery of those who are injured,” Zulum said.
The governor also reassured residents that the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of the people and prevent future attacks.
Zulum condemns Konduga terrorists’ attack, sympathises with victims
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