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Ghanaian Protest: Branding Nigerians criminals amounts to defamation – Obono-Obla

Former presidential aide and legal expert, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, has condemned recent protests in Ghana where some demonstrators labeled Nigerians as criminals. Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Calabar, on Wednesday, Obono-Obla described the generalization as defamatory and unacceptable. “You cannot brand someone a criminal without a verdict from a court of
Ghanaian Protest: Branding Nigerians criminals amounts to defamation – Obono-Obla

Former presidential aide and legal expert, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, has condemned recent protests in Ghana where some demonstrators labeled Nigerians as criminals.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Calabar, on Wednesday, Obono-Obla described the generalization as defamatory and unacceptable.

“You cannot brand someone a criminal without a verdict from a court of competent jurisdiction,” he stated.

“To suggest that all Nigerians are criminals and should therefore be expelled from Ghana amounts to defamation”.

Obono-Obla expressed fears that if the Ghanaian government were to yield to what he described as a mischievous agitation, bordering on xenophobia, it would not only damage the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Ghana but also breach the ECOWAS Protocol that governs the free movement of its citizens.

The social activist expressed displeasure, saying the generalization that Nigerians were all criminals was both unfair and unfounded.

He argued that in criminal law, there is no principle of vicarious liability, saying “this is a universal standard.”

He explained that the two countries, Nigeria and Ghana, are both member states of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, whose Treaty and Protocol make provisions for the free movement of people and goods across member states.

“This is why there are many Nigerians in Ghana, and many Ghanaians in Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states because when one wishes to travel to these countries, no visa is required.

“Now, if some Ghanaians are calling for Nigerians to leave Ghana due to allegations of criminal activity, how can it be justified to claim that all Nigerians in Ghana are engaging in such activities?”

Ghanaian Protest: Branding Nigerians criminals amounts to defamation – Obono-Obla

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Kwara govt evacuates 94 street beggars, vows prosecution, repatriation

Kwara State Government has removed 94 beggars from the streets of Ilorin, the state capital, as part of its effort to combat street begging and enhance security. In addressing this problem, the government said they will be clipped and profiled and if necessary, prosecuted, and deported back to their states of origin. The operation, commanded
Kwara govt evacuates 94 street beggars, vows prosecution, repatriation

Kwara State Government has removed 94 beggars from the streets of Ilorin, the state capital, as part of its effort to combat street begging and enhance security.

In addressing this problem, the government said they will be clipped and profiled and if necessary, prosecuted, and deported back to their states of origin.

The operation, commanded by the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, was supported by a joint team of the ministry of social welfare, National Correctional Service, and the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Haliru Olamilekan Mikail.

That operation reported that 94 beggars, 43 females and 51 males were swept from Geri Alimi, Tanke Junction, Offa Garage, Tipper Garage, and Zango.

Dr. Imam stated that this was the third repatriation exercise conducted by the government and warned that street begging would no longer be tolerated in the state. “We’ve carried out massive sensitization through jingles to inform the public that street begging is banned in Kwara State,” she said.

She added that the ministry has a magistrate who handles sentencing for offenders, often ranging from one week or more, while minors are cared for until their parents complete community service punishments. The government also liaises with the beggars’ home states to ensure a proper repatriation process.

Dr. Imam advised the public to stop giving alms directly to street beggars and instead donate to mosques, churches, orphanages, or registered support centers where help is more effective and secure.

Supporting the move, Haliru Mikail emphasized the security risks involved in street begging, revealing that some of the beggars act as informants or are used for drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

“This exercise is not just about removing beggars from the streets—it’s about improving public safety and dismantling networks that exploit vulnerable individuals,” he added.

Kwara govt evacuates 94 street beggars, vows prosecution, repatriation

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Nigerian govt flags off Light Rail projects in key northern states

The Federal Government said it has commenced plans to support light rail projects in key Northern States. It said this would start with Kaduna and Kano, as part of efforts to enhance public transportation and boost economic productivity in the region. Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, disclosed this while chairing a discussion on infrastructure
Nigerian govt flags off Light Rail projects in key northern states

The Federal Government said it has commenced plans to support light rail projects in key Northern States.

It said this would start with Kaduna and Kano, as part of efforts to enhance public transportation and boost economic productivity in the region.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, disclosed this while chairing a discussion on infrastructure during the 2-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.

He noted that the project is being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

Speaking on the Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) Project, the Minister revealed that 3,112 housing units have been completed in Abuja, while Kano has 1,500 units and an additional 500-unit estate.

In other states, 250-unit estates are being planned in each state, with those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue States completed.

According to him, the projects will create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly pay of ₦150,000. They will also stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment.

Speaking on the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project, the minister said 53% has been completed.

He also maintained that the Kano-Maradi project was 61% completed. Additionally, a section of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri (61 km) has been finished and put into use.

Nigerian govt flags off Light Rail projects in key northern states

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Akpabio calls on global parliamentarians to unite for peace, justice

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on lawmakers across the world to unite and work together for global peace, justice, and a shared future. This was shared in a statement signed by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant, Media to the senate president. According to the statement, Akpabio made this call while speaking at
Akpabio calls on global parliamentarians to unite for peace, justice

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on lawmakers across the world to unite and work together for global peace, justice, and a shared future.

This was shared in a statement signed by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant, Media to the senate president.

According to the statement, Akpabio made this call while speaking at the ongoing 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking on the theme “A World in Turmoil: Multilateralism for Peace, Justice and Prosperity for All,” Akpabio said the world is currently facing serious challenges from armed conflicts to climate change and needs collective solutions.

He described Nigeria as a nation that has endured hardship but continues to push forward.

“I bring you greetings from the Senate and the resilient people of Nigeria. I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes. A nation that finds clarity in confusion and keeps sailing through storms and rough weather

“As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides,” he said.

He warned that wars and conflicts across the world are destroying homes and hopes, especially in developing nations, and urged affected countries not to lose hope.

Akpabio said the world is connected, so global problems affect everyone.

He urged troubled nations not to give up, adding that the Nigerian Senate is making laws despite tough times.

“We face armed conflict, climate disruption, and youth disillusionment. Terrorists exploit poverty and displacement. Farmer-herder clashes and small arms proliferation threaten our unity. But we are not defined by what we face, but by how we rise. In the furnace of turmoil, we are becoming stronger, wiser, and more determined to build a greater nation”.

He mentioned several laws that have been passed in Nigeria to improve security, education, and inclusion.

These include the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act.

Akpabio said Nigeria is investing in technology and training to help young people succeed and overcome poverty.

He explained that programs like the Start-Up Act, easier access to loans, and digital skills are helping unlock their potential.

He also said the country is working to give equal chances to youth, women, and people with disabilities.

“The Not Too Young To Run Act was a call to action for the younger generation. Women and people with disabilities are no longer being left out,” he stated.

He stressed that multilateralism, the idea of working together internationally should not be just talk, but action.

He concluded by urging parliamentarians to rise above party politics and work together for peace and justice around the world.

Akpabio calls on global parliamentarians to unite for peace, justice

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Akwa Ibom Assembly demands speedy rescue of 13 abducted farmers

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for immediate release of the 13 farmers from Itu Mbonuso, Ini local government of the state, who were abducted on their farm recently. It urged the State Ministry of Internal Security to promptly collaborate with security agencies to secure their release. The resolution followed a matter
Akwa Ibom Assembly demands speedy rescue of 13 abducted farmers

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for immediate release of the 13 farmers from Itu Mbonuso, Ini local government of the state, who were abducted on their farm recently.

It urged the State Ministry of Internal Security to promptly collaborate with security agencies to secure their release.

The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by the member representing the Ini state constituency, Lawrence Udoide during Wednesday plenary.

Udoide disclosed to the House that on July 14, some people suspected to come from Arochukwu, a neighboring community in Abia State abducted 13 farmers to an unknown destination.

The report was received through a motion by Mr Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency and seconded by Mr Itoro-Obong Etim, member representing Uruan state constituency.

The lawmaker expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of violence in his constituency, describing the situation as “a siege perpetrated by unscrupulous elements from Arochukwu.”

Udoide highlighted the deteriorating security conditions in Ini local government area, noting that residents of Nkari, Itu-Mbonuso, and Iwerre now live in constant fear.

“One of my constituents went to his farm and discovered that someone had trespassed on his land. He, along with his brother, approached the trespassers to resolve the issue amicably.

“Unfortunately, a misunderstanding ensued, and the trespassers called for reinforcements.

“My constituent was assaulted, and one person was abducted and taken to Abia State.

“The brother who returned home to report the incident later returned with others to search for the abducted individual, only to be ambushed, resulting in the abduction of 12 more people from Itu Mbonuso, bringing the total to 13 that are yet to be released,” Udoide said.

Udoide pleaded with the House to take action and inform Gov. Umo Eno to engage with the Abia Government to facilitate the release of the 13 abducted farmers without delay.

Members who contributed to the debate described the incursion into Itu Mbonuso as unacceptable, stressing that the people deserved to live in peace in their land without molestation.

The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, urged the Akwa Ibom Government to engage the Abia counterpart to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals without delay.

Otong also directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Security to coordinate with the relevant government’s ministry and security agencies for updates on the situation.

He urged the security agencies to work together and prevent further attacks on Itu Mbonuso and other border communities in the Ini local government area.

Akwa Ibom Assembly demands speedy rescue of 13 abducted farmers

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52% of all ongoing projects located in northern Nigeria – Minister of Works

The Tinubu administration’s four transformative legacy road projects are designed to connect Nigerian states, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors. The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the ongoing government-citizen engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna. According to him, the landmark projects
52% of all ongoing projects located in northern Nigeria – Minister of Works

The Tinubu administration’s four transformative legacy road projects are designed to connect Nigerian states, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the ongoing government-citizen engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.

According to him, the landmark projects include: the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway; the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway; the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Calabar, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and the FCT and the 422-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway.

Mr. Goronyo noted that these projects reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equitable development, pointing out that 52% of all ongoing projects under the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency are located in the northern part of the country.

He further revealed that four reputable construction firms are currently handling the Sokoto–Zaria road, with reinforced concrete to ensure durability and longevity.

52% of all ongoing projects located in northern Nigeria – Minister of Works