Author: Ikenga Online
By Our Reporter An Enugu State High Court presided by Justice C. Ani has started the trial of three members of staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) over alleged corrupt practices and criminal actions. Recall that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) on Feb. 3, 2021 in suit no. E/89C/2020 arraigned Mrs Empress Okoro, Godfrey Onwukwe and Agbo Aaron Adibe on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and altering of documents. Okoro is the Deputy Registrar, Exams Unit of the institution while Onwukwe is a staff in the same unit. The third defendant,…
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will present its conclusions on a potential link between blood clots and AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine later on Wednesday. The agency started investigating a potential link after reports of blood clots emerged in several countries, with some researchers having found young women to be at particular risk of thrombosis, a potentially dangerous condition in which blood clots can obstruct blood flow after receiving the jab. Several countries across the bloc suspended the use of AstraZeneca in mid-March, but took it up again after the EMA indicated the vaccine was still safe for use after an initial…
The European Commission on Wednesday announced it had earmarked 123 million euros (146 million U.S. dollars) to fund urgent research into Coronavirus variants. The fund, through Horizon Europe, the new EU research and innovation program, adds to a range of EU-funded research and innovation actions to fight the coronavirus and contributes to the Commission’s overall action to prevent, mitigate and respond to the impact of Coronavirus variants, the Commission said in a statement. “We continue to mobilise all means at our disposal to fight this pandemic and the challenges presented by Coronavirus variants. “ We must use our combined strength…
By our reporter The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it will map out vulnerable communities in response to the 2021 Seasonal Climate Prediction. The Director-General of the agency, rtd. AVM Muhammadu Muhammadu disclosed this on Wednesday during a Two-Day Experts’ Technical Workshop on ‘Disaster Risk Management’ in Abuja. Muhammadu said that the decision to map out the vulnerable communities was in response to the 2021 climate prediction by the Nigerian Meterological Agency (NiMet). He said that the move which would be in form of early warning messages would assist State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and others to take proactive risk reduction…
By our reporter President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sacked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu one month to the end of his renewed tenure. Buhari also approved the appointment of Mr Usman Alkali Baba as acting IGP. The Minister of Police Affairs, Mr Maigari Dingyadi disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Dingyadi said that the appointment was with immediate effect. Baba was until his appointment the Deputy Inspector-General of Police. Recall that the president had on Feb. 4, 2921 extended the tenure of Adamu by three months.
By Henry Orjiakor Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has announced an eight-hour curfew in the state capital, Umuahia and Aba. The Commissioner for Information, Mr John Kalu disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Kalu said that the curfew which would span between 10pm and 6am would take immediate effect until further notice. The commissioner said that the imposition of the curfew became necessary following security reports from multiple sources as well as the need to protect innocent residents of the state. He charged security agencies in the state to ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the directive, adding that only those on essential services with…
By our reporter Some unknown gunmen on Monday attacked the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) facility in Owerri, Imo State and freed a yet to be confirmed number of inmates, Ikengaonline reports. According to a credible source, the gunmen armed with explosives also attacked the Police Command Headquarters in the state and burnt some vehicles parked at the entrance of the premises. The source said that the operation lasted for more than 30 minutes and that the military men drafted to contain the situation were overpowered by the assailants. When contacted, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Orlando Ikokwu confirmed the incident but clarified that only the State Criminal Investigation Department of the…
By our reporter No fewer than five persons were killed on Sunday when suspected bandits invaded a town located in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to a report by Channels Television, several others were injured during the attack which has almost become a daily occurrence in the northern part of the country. Recall that over a month ago, some forestry students in the state were abducted by suspected bandits and have yet to regain their freedom. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has vowed to prosecute anyone caught negotiating or striking a deal with bandits. The state government took the…
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on Christians to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The South East Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki made the call in his Easter message on Sunday in Enugu. Sidikki described the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the pillar of the Christian faith and the celebration, a period to reflect on His earthly mission characterised by good works. He, therefore, urged Christians to remain resolute in their abiding faith and hope for a better country. He…
By Michael Onwuka The Enugu State House of Assembly recently embarked on a legislative voyage to review the Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Law 2017 (as amended), which is a pension regime for former governors and their deputies. The move by the Chief Edward Ubosi led assembly elicited wide condemnation by Nigerians, including non-state actors. The condemnation stems from the ‘satanic’ provisions in the proposed amendment forwarded to the assembly as an Executive Bill. Recall that in compliance with Sect. 124(5) of the Nigerian Constitution which empowers the House of Assembly of the State to enact a law to that effect, the state…