NYSC ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION DATE FOR NEW SET OF CORP MEMBERS

The National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, has fixed January 16 for the opening of orientation camps for prospective Batch B, Stream 2, corps members nationwide.

The NYSC announced this on its Facebook page on Saturday .

The management of the Scheme said the 2017 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course is scheduled to hold in 15 NYSC Orientation Camps which are Abia, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Enugu, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and the FCT.

NYSC says highlights of the exercise are as follows :

(a) Commencement and Registration: Tuesday 16th January, 2018

(b) Cut-off date for Registration: Midnight Wednesday,17th January, 2018

(c) Swearing-In Ceremony: Thursday, 18th January, 2018

(d) Closing: Monday, 5th February, 2018

The Scheme urged prospective corp members to report promptly to the orientation camps in their states of deployment at the camp addresses indicated in their call-up letters.

It must be noted that the NYSC scheme was created in 1973 to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war".

According to the NYSC, the purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youth the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.

GOVERNOR NYESOME WIKE RELEASES NAMES OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS, ARMED ROBBERS IN RIVERS, CALLS FOR THEIR ARREST [SEE LIST]

In furtherance of his efforts to stem the tide of crime and violence in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike has given marching orders to security agencies to hunt down cult leaders terrorizing the state.

Governor Wike in a comprehensive list released during his state wide broadcast on the killing of Don Wanny, said security forces should not spare any of the listed suspects.

He said the suspects have refused to take advantage of the Amnesty offer of the state government thereby causing mayhem in different Local Government areas of the state.

The Rivers state Governor also announced a twenty million naira bounty for anyone who offers information about the whereabouts of the suspects.

Wike in the broadcast further blamed the All Progressive Congress led by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for allegedly dissuading some cult groups from accepting the state’s amnesty.

He also accused Amaechi of politicizing the security situation in the state just as he revealed that the Anti-kidnapping Law will be amended to prescribe death sentence for criminals in Rivers state.

The Broadcast Reads:

On the first of January 2018, the entire State and the country at large was traumatized by the callous murder of 23 innocent persons at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area by the notorious cultist, kidnapper, terrorist and murderer Don Wanny and members of his doomed gang.

2. When I visited the families of the victims, I placed a prize tag of N200 million for any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of this most heinous crime against humanity.

3. I also assured the security agencies of our further determination to continue supporting them with whatever it would take to have these criminals apprehended and brought to justice.

4. Yesterday, 7th January 2018, we all received the news about the death of Don Wanny and two of his fellow gang members in their hideouts in Enugu State while trying to escape arrest from the security agencies that were closing in on them.

5. Although we would have wanted Mr. Don Wanny and his gang members to have been arrested alive and put to trial for their numerous crimes and atrocities against his own people. His death, nevertheless, is a huge relief to the entire State, and therefore, most welcome development.

6. For years the security situation in Omoku in particular, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government area in general, has been most challenging because of the criminal activities of Don Wanny and his gang.

7. We therefore wholeheartedly thank President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion and not politicking with the issue of security. We also commend the security agencies, particularly, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Security, for swiftly rising to the challenge in the most professional manner.

8. There is no doubt that this heroic success has proven what is possible when our security agencies are willing to discharge their constitutional duties with unadulterated commitment and professionalism.

9. Since 2015, we have been calling for tackling security issues devoid of political considerations in Rivers State in order to achieve maximum result. This level of commitment and professionalism as demonstrated in the Omoku case is exemplary. Therefore, we will continue to demand no less from our security agencies to keep our State safe and secure for residents, visitors and investors.

10. As a government, we have invested heavily on the security of the State and will continue to do everything within our powers to guarantee the security and safety of lives and property throughout the State. As a fact, we will spare no cost in ensuring that nobody will have peace if the lives and property of our people make no meaning to them.

11. However, we are deeply worried when our investments in security are deliberately prevented from yielding the desired results due largely to the recurrent tendency to politicize the federally controlled security agencies and services in the State. This is the reason why we must thank the President for doing things differently and with the support of all, a different result has been achieved.

12. The aftermaths of crime and insecurity affect society as a whole, and not only the direct victims. Accordingly, the duty to fight crime and criminality remains collective and no right thinking person should ever indulge in politicizing security issues under any circumstance.

13. In deed, at a time such as this, we expect political leaders to eschew political sentiments in their reactions and utterances and join forces with the State Government to address the situation and bring justice to the victims.

14. Regrettably, instead of showing respect for the dead and genuine sympathies to the bereaved families, the leader of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of the State prefers to exploit the unfortunate incident for political ends by disseminating wild, unguarded and inciting statements to the unsuspecting public.

15. Contrary to his false claims and posturing the security challenge in Omoku predated our administration and Rivers State was never peaceful when he held sway as Governor. In case he has forgotten, this same Don Wanny tragically killed 32 persons in Omoku on the 14th of December 2014 under his watch as Governor. Yet, he failed to bring Don Wanny to justice.

16. We reiterate our zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and reassure all residents of our determination to be tough with those who choose to violate our criminal laws and undermine peace and security in the State.

17. To underscore the seriousness we attach to the fight against violent crime, we shall be amending the Anti kidnapping law to prescribe the maximum sentence for engaging in cultism, robbery and kidnapping.

18. Our decision to offer amnesty to all repentant cultists, militants and criminals was done in good faith and in the best interest of the State. Regrettably, while the programme was on course, the former governor and his ilk dissuaded some of these criminals from sincerely embracing the amnesty. The result is the recent escalation of cult and criminal activities in parts of the State.

19. At all times, our position on the amnesty offer is clear: those who genuinely embraced the offer are bound to fully, completely and perpetually renounce all forms of criminality and be of good behaviour in order to enjoy terms of the amnesty. The full weight of the law will be released on those who failed to embrace it.

20. Consequently, based on reliable information by the security agencies, I hereby direct them to immediately arrest and prosecute the under-mentioned persons who have either reneged on the terms of the amnesty and or refused to embrace same by continuing with cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery in the State:

OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. OLUCHI IGWEDIBIA (a.k.a. Obatosu)
2. Eze (a.k.a. Ugly Vulture)
3. AUSTIN – 6i/c Iceland Omoku)
4. Evidence
5. TOMPOLO from Obuboru – Greenlander

ASARI TORU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. IDAYE GRANVILLE (a.k.a. Egbele)
2. MPAKABOARI DALABU (a.k.a. Parker)

ANDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. ETENGO ETNEGO – MEND
2. VICTOR EKENS – MEND

AHOADA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. HAPPY HARRY ODULU (alias Chief Priest) Egbema-Ogbogolo
2. AHOADA AUGUSTINE OBENE (alias Sunshine, Okogbe village)
3. TU-MAN, P (from Idoha village)

ELEME LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. MBAJO – DEYGBAM

EMOHUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. GOODLUCK IGONIKA – ICELAND
2. JUSTICE ORDAH (a.k.a. ADC) – ICELAND
3. SUNNY KEMJIKA WOVODO – DEYGBAM
4. ONYEMA UWOBO – ICELAND

IKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. JONATHAN NKEMIJIKA (alias School Boy)

GOKANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. BARIJASI FRIMA (DAYWELL) – BOMU
2. ELVIS KOOYA (DAYGBAM) – BODO
3. GIOBARA POIBA – K/DERE
4. BONIFACE PAAGO (a.k.a. Chairman) – BODO

OMUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. JOHN WALA – DEYWELL
2. IHECHIMERE NWAYINWU – DEYWELL
3. BRIGHT OKERE – DEYWELL

AKUKU TORU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. OSELA JACK – GREENLANDER

DEGEMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. LUCKY MILLER – DEYGBAM
2. SOMINBA BIABO –
3. OROLOBO NELSON – ICELAND
4. WATER BABY – ICELAND
5. DANIEL BOBMANUEL – GREENLANDER

ETCHE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. UCHECHKWU OKERE (A.K.A TOGO – DEYGBAM

21. The Rivers State Government will pay N20 million to any person who volunteers useful information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of any of the afore-mentioned persons.

22. Finally, we wish to reassure Rivers people once again of our commitment to support the security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of lives and property across the State.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE: NLC FAULTS NGIGE, REVEALS WHEN NEW PAY WILL COMMENCE

The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has said that the new minimum wage will be announced earlier than the third quarter as stated by Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment.

We brought you a report earlier that the Hon Minister of Labour and employment had told news men that the new minimum wage will be made public before the end of the third quarter of 2018.
That the 30-member tripartite committee headed by former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms. Amal Pepple is billed to conclude its assignment by the third quarter and submit its report to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The organised labour, however, said all wage-related issues would be resolved not later than the third quarter.

According to the NLC, “The delivery and the adoption of the new minimum wage is expected to take effect before the third quarter.”

NLC President Ayuba Wabba, said the union will reject any attempt to delay the adoption of a new wage for workers, adding that the prevailing minimum wage of N18, 000 (about $46) per month can no longer sustain the Nigerian worker.

Wabba told reporters yesterday, “It is our expectation that all issues pertaining to the new minimum wage will be concluded before the end of third quarter of 2018 to give Nigerian workers a new hope that the government and other employers of labour have not totally abandoned them.

“This is something that workers have long anticipated and our expectation is that we want a speedy process now that the facts of the issues are very obvious.

“If you look at the exchange rate”, Wabba said, “the N18, 000 minimum wage of 2011 when we signed the agreement, it was almost equivalent to N110 dollars. Today, the N18, 000 is less than 46 dollars.

“So, this is the reality and with the purchasing power of the ordinary worker, with the high cost of transaction, our expectation is that the committee should look at the conditions of workers and pensioners.’’

OMOKU NEW YEAR MASSACRE: NOTORIOUS CULTIST DON WANEY AND GANG SHOT DEAD -PHOTOS

The notorious cultist and kidnapper Mr. Igwedibia Johnson, aka Don Waney, who has been on the run since he masterminded the New Year’s Day killing of 17 worshipers after crossover service in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, has been shot dead by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), along with two of his lieutenants: Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode.

The bodies of Johnson, Adiele and Ode were on Sunday morning displayed at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, by the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, who was accompanied by Rivers Director of DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, and Rivers Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.

Udoh said: Intense surveillance activities on him (Johnson) and his gang by the DSS, Rivers State Command, revealed that after committing the atrocities, he relocated to a neighbourhood within Enugu Town in Enugu State, where he rented an apartment and started living among unsuspecting neighbours within the community. “From the relative safety of his newly-rented apartment, Don Waney was already perfecting plans to wrought another mayhem in Omoku, in which he was to attack churches, schools, army and police locations and the residences of the generality of the already-traumatised people of Omoku.

“However, following his successful geo-location to his new Enugu neighbourhood hideout by the DSS, Rivers State Command, a combined team of troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu and personnel of DSS, Rivers State Command, raided the hideout to arrest him and his other accomplices.

“Incidentally, on sensing that the combine team were closing in on his residence, Don Waney, his Second-in-Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through the back exit of the apartment and were shot down by the eagle-eyed troops in the process. One of them died on the spot, while the other two, who sustained gunshot wounds, eventually died, while being evacuated for medical attention.

 “The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt by the combine team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command, for further action.”

While also speaking, Rivers police commissioner assured residents of the state of the safety of their lives and property, declaring that other members of Johnson’s gang and other criminals in Rivers would be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to other criminal-minded persons. 

NGIGE GIVES UPDATE ON NEW MINIMUM WAGE, SAYS STATES MUST PAY NEW MINIMUM WAGE WHEN IT IS READY THIS YEAR..

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has said that all states of the federation and the FCT would abide by the new minimum wage, which is already in the works.

Some states have been demanding that they be allowed to negotiate with their workers on the minimum wage to enable them come up with what they could afford to pay.

Ngige who spoke after flagging off the proposed skills acquisition center being constructed at Ifitedunu in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State at the weekend, said the minimum wage is a national matter and as such, only the federal government could legislate on it as provided in the Nigerian constitution.

The former Anambra Governor said the tripartite committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to work out a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers had already swung into action.

He said, “We had our inaugural meeting on December 14 and we did a framework for our work. We will finish our job before the third quarter of this year, but we may finish earlier and then submit its report to enable the Federal Government Issue a white paper and subsequently transmit the content to the National Assembly.

“That is why the President is not over flogging the issue, but he is monitoring the work of the committee. One thing that is clear is that the states will abide by whatever will be the outcome of the work of the committee because they (governors) have nominees there.

“The Governors’ Forum is represented in the committee and the Federal Government component is represented by five Ministers and the Head of Service of the Federation. It will therefore be against the spirit of the constitution for the states to have their own minimum wage.”

The ex-lawmaker insisted that the national minimum wage would be the baseline, adding that states that could afford it could pay more, but not below the national minimum wage.

“We will fix a minimum wage, but states can pay more than that. I give you an example, today minimum wage is N18,500, but Adams Oshiomhole was paying N25,000 before he left office.

“Minimum wage is just to set the baseline, but states can pay more.”

On what Nigerians should expect as the minimum wage, Ngige said he would not reveal that , but that he would rather table it before the committee and back it up “with productivity indices.”

He said one of the cardinal principle of negotiating wages as stipulated by the International Labour Organisation was  ability to pay.

BREAKING: JUDGE HANDLING SEN. MELAYE’S ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION CASE IS DEAD

Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the Kabba Resident High Court Judge in Kogi who is currently handling the case of attempted assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye is reported dead.

It was gathered that the judge died in Anyigba on the 31st of Dec, 2017 at about 11:40pm during a cross-over service to 2018.

According to a reliable source close to the family, Akogu who had vowed not to sleep before the cross-over to 2018, was neither sick nor show any symptoms of ill health.

Sen. Dino Melaye

His wife, Mrs Vicky Akogu, who confirmed the death, said the late judge and one-time Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state, was hale and hearty before his sudden death.

She said that she watched her husband’s death like a movie and could hardly believe herself.

Commenting on the incident from Akogu family house in Idah, Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Yahaya Ademu, said the body had been deposited at the Grimmard Hospital Mortuary, Anyigba.

The late judge, in his late 50s, was until his death, handling the case of attempted assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye.

According to report, the Ijumu Local Government Administrator, Taofiq Isah and four others are also being tried in the matter.

-NAN.

BREAKING: SCORES REPORTEDLY KILLED AS GUNMEN ATTACK OMOKU COMMUNITY IN RIVERS STATE (PHOTOS)

Reports have it that no fewer than 15 persons have been reportedly shot dead and scores injured/hospitalized in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State by a group of gunmen on Monday.

This was posted by a Facebook user, who is also from the area, Osiah Chinedu in his facebook handle and later verified from the Rivers state police command.

The State Police Command told correspondents that they are already aware of the development but however, couldn't give details as at press time.

Eyewitnesses further revealed that the  gunmen that raided the town in the early hours of New Year Day, 1st January, 2018, were suspected to be working for a wanted kidnap kingpin/ militant leader, Don Nwanee.

Below are pictorial evidences of the Omoku incidence....(viewer discretion advised).

 We shall give you updates as they unfold...

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NIGERIAN HOSPITALS NOW TO TREAT GUNSHOT WOUNDS WITHOUT POLICE REPORT - SEN. ITA ENANG

 
Physicians and medical workers in Nigerian Hospitals across the country can now treat gun shot wounds without first requesting for a police report before commencing treatment on any victim.

This was made known by Senator Ita Enang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate). He made this known to State House correspondents in Abuja on Friday while stating that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 into law alongside other five bills.

The five other bills are

The Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Amendment Act, 2017;

The Anti-Torture Act 2017;

The Federal Capital Appropriation Act;

The Federal Capital Territory Water Board (Establishment) Act 2017;

and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Establishment) Act 2017.

Senator Enang stated that the Gunshot Act specifically stipulates that a person with gunshot shall be received for immediate and adequate treatment by any hospital in Nigeria with or without initial monetary deposit. A person with gunshot wound shall not be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment or torture by any person or authority, including the police and other security agencies,” he explained.

On Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Amendment Act, 2017, Enang said the NDDC Act also included the gas producing and gas processing companies in the list of agencies that were contributing to the Niger Delta Development Commission, in addition to oil companies to increase funding of the commission for effective discharge of its duties.
He added that “previously, the NDDC Act excluded gas companies. The Act makes it explicit that gas companies have to be included. “This is to diversify sources of funding for the NDDC for the economic wellbeing of the region.’’

On the Anti-Torture Act, he said it makes comprehensive provisions for penalising acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and prescribes penalties for the commission of such acts.

On the Federal Capital Appropriation Act, the president’s aide explained that the Act authourised the Federal Capital Territory Administration to legally and legitimately provide funds out of its Statutory Revenue Fund for recurrent and capital expenditure.

On the Federal Capital Territory Water Board Establishment Act, he noted that the act was charged with the responsibility of providing safe, adequate and affordable water to FCT residents.

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Establishment) Act, 2017, he said is to provide national direction in cancer research, control and treatment; guide scientific improvements to cancer prevention, treatment and care, coordinate and liaise between the wide range of groups and health care providers with an interest in cancer.

“The six Acts have come into effect as laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’

Source: http://headline.com.ng/doctors-now-treat-gunshot-wounds-without-police-report/amp/

WHATSAPP TO STOP WORKING ON BlackBerry OS AND SOME OTHER SMART PHONES FROM 2018

WhatsApp, the leading chat app/ messenger in the world is about to stop working on a range of old smartphones from the 1st of January 2018. This is because these range of mobile devices don’t offer the kind of capabilities needed to expand and accommodate latest technologies that would be the major features in the future of upgrades in WhatsApp.

This means owners of these once famous/old mobile phones will have to buy newer gadgets if they want to continue using WhatsApp.

Last year, WhatsApp dropped its support for Nokia Symbian S60 phones. It will do the same for Nokia S40 handsets on December 31 2018 and then devices running Android 2.3.7 and older after 1 February, 2020.

On New Year’s Day, WhatsApp will ‘remove support’ for a number of devices – which updated versions of the software can no longer be installed on them.

From January 1, 2018, anyone still using phones which run BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10 or Windows Phone 8.0 will no longer be able to update their WhatsApp software.

In a blog post, WhatsApp wrote: “While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don’t offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app’s features in the future.

“This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp.

“If you use one of these affected mobile devices, we recommend upgrading to a newer Android, iPhone, or Windows Phone.”