“Senate Calls for Rehabilitation of Displaced Communities in Omala, Kogi East”

The Nigerian Senate has adopted a resolution to rehabilitate displaced communities in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District. The motion, moved by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by communities such as Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana in Omala.

Senator Isah noted that these communities have been severely affected by recurrent attacks from Fulani herders, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of residents. He expressed concern over the lack of sufficient efforts to address the ongoing menace and provide assistance to the affected population.

The motion emphasized the dire situation faced by the displaced persons, with approximately 30,000 individuals rendered homeless and forced to relocate to other communities within Kogi State. The recent attack on April 5, 2024, led to the loss of 21 innocent lives and extensive destruction of farmlands and produce in Agojeju-Odo and Ajokpachi-Odo communities.

In their contributions, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Titus Zam Tartenger highlighted the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to end the killings and insecurity caused by herders’ attacks. Senator Oshiomhole emphasized the importance of implementing effective solutions and holding stakeholders’ conferences to address the root causes of the crisis. Senator Tartenger called for the enactment of laws prohibiting open grazing to permanently resolve the farmers/herders conflict.

The Senate’s resolution underscores the imperative of prioritizing the rehabilitation and security of displaced communities in Omala and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the recurring violence and displacement. It signals a commitment to finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing affected populations and ensuring their safety and well-being.

“High Court Dismisses N7.74 Billion Fraud Charges Against Kenny Martins and Co-defendants”

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has once again dismissed the N7.74 billion fraud charges brought against Lagos businessman Kenny Martins and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges, initiated in 2018, were thrown out on Tuesday by Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, who deemed them frivolous and without merit.

The 3-count charges, prosecuted by the Chambers of Festus Keyamo, alleged conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, criminal diversion of funds, and forgery of documents against the defendants. However, the judge held that the prosecution failed to provide cogent and verifiable evidence to support the allegations.

Specifically, the court found that the EFCC did not establish how funds retained by the defendants as their 10 percent commission from the Police Equipment Foundation (PEF) constituted fraud, as there was a clear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the federal government regarding the matter. Additionally, the judge ruled that the removal of the commission from one of the PEF’s bank accounts did not breach trust, as there was no specific order in the MoU regarding which account the commission should be deducted from.

The defense, represented by Joel Bankole Akomolafe SAN and Johnny Ucheaga, provided evidence of how the funds were raised and utilized for the purchase of vehicles for security agencies, in accordance with government directives. They argued that the charges were unfounded and should be dismissed.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Osho-Adebiyi emphasized that the prosecution failed to refute the overwhelming evidence presented by the defense regarding the proper use of the funds. She also noted that the prosecution did not call key witnesses or present testimony pointing to fraud.

The dismissal of the charges comes after a protracted legal battle, which saw previous court decisions overturned by higher courts. The defendants have been discharged and acquitted, bringing an end to the legal proceedings against them in this matter.

The protesters expressed dismay over the layoffs, accusing the airline management of lacking empathy. On Tuesday in Lagos, over 100 terminated Dana Air employees picketed the airline’s head office over alleged unpaid salaries and outstanding pensions, among other issues. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as: “Expatriates not paid for three months”; “Pension deductions not remitted since 2008”; “Say No to tyranny”; and “7 aircraft, only one serviceable,” among others.

“I have been working with the airline since 2008 and participated in the demo flight that secured their Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Despite the challenges, I and others remained dedicated, even when salaries were not paid. We stayed committed until the runway incident on April 23,” one protester said.

“It is normal for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to audit the airline, but suddenly, we received WhatsApp messages informing us that our services were no longer required. The Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, should address us. We want our gratuities, along with our April salary and one month’s pay in lieu of notice.”

Another protester, Eze Chidi, a former Aviation Security (AVSEC) Supervisor, condemned the airline management’s actions, describing them as unjustified. Chidi called on the Federal Government to intervene in what he described as victimization, enslavement, exploitation, and unaccountable management practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dana Air management officials were unreachable for comments.

NAN also reported that on April 24, the NCAA suspended Dana Air’s AOC following a runway skid of its MD-82 aircraft with registration number 5N-BKI on April 23. The suspension was to allow the NCAA to conduct a comprehensive audit of the company. On May 11, the airline announced that some employees had been “temporarily disengaged” due to the ongoing audit.

“Study Reveals Increase in Emergency Room Visits for Cannabis Poisoning Among Older Canadians Post-Legalization”

According to a report by The New York Times, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has highlighted a concerning trend of older Canadians, aged 65 and above, ending up in emergency rooms due to cannabis poisoning following the legalization of marijuana in the country. The study indicates that the rate of emergency room visits for cannabis poisoning among this demographic doubled after the legalization of cannabis flower sales, and then tripled after the legalization of cannabis edibles sales 15 months later.

The research, which focused on 2,322 emergency room visits for cannabis poisoning among individuals aged 65 and above in Ontario, analyzed data from 2015 to 2022. By comparing trends before and after key legalization milestones—October 2018 for dried cannabis and January 2020 for edibles—the researchers were able to identify significant increases in cannabis-related emergency room visits among older adults.

In 2015, there were 55 recorded emergency room visits for cannabis poisoning among older adults, which increased to 462 in 2021 before slightly declining to 404 in 2022. Lead author of the study, Nathan Stall, a geriatrician at Mount Sinai Hospital and researcher at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, noted that while some older adults intentionally used cannabis, others consumed it accidentally, mistaking edibles for regular food or snacks.

Symptoms of cannabis poisoning experienced by these patients include dizziness, confusion, nausea, loss of coordination and balance, drowsiness, and hallucinations. Stall emphasized the need for greater attention to be paid to drug use by the elderly and its health effects, highlighting the prevalence of ageism and bias in assuming that older adults are not using drugs.

The study was prompted by Stall’s personal experience of being called into the emergency room to consult on an octogenarian who exhibited severe confusion and stroke-like symptoms. Despite multiple tests showing no clear cause, a toxicology test ordered by Stall revealed cannabis in the patient’s urine, shedding light on the need for increased awareness and monitoring of cannabis use among older populations.

“Reps Urge Federal Government to Exempt Military Personnel from Airport Toll Gates”

The House of Representatives has taken a stand on the recent policy regarding toll gates at airports, particularly concerning the exemption of military personnel from toll payments. This resolution, prompted by a motion brought forward by Abdulsamad Dasuki during a plenary session, reflects the House’s concern for the welfare and recognition of members of the Armed Forces.

Dasuki’s motion emphasizes the invaluable service rendered by the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s security and territorial integrity. He highlights their contributions in various domains, including protecting borders, combating armed banditry, and ensuring safe navigation in territorial waters. Given their dedication and sacrifice, Dasuki argues that it is fitting for military personnel to be exempted from toll payments at airports and major train stations.

The motion resonated with fellow lawmakers, who echoed the sentiment that the government should acknowledge the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces by granting them certain privileges. The resolution passed by the House urges the Federal Government to implement this exemption, ensuring that military personnel are not burdened with tollgate fees and parking payments at airports, seaports, and train stations nationwide.

Furthermore, the House has directed relevant committees to oversee the implementation of this exemption, underscoring the importance of ensuring compliance with the resolution. This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of the House to advocating for the welfare and recognition of military personnel, who continue to serve the nation with dedication and selflessness.

The tragic incident involving a London-Singapore flight, which resulted in the death of one individual, underscores the sudden and unpredictable dangers that can arise during air travel. With 211 passengers and 18 crew members onboard, the turbulence experienced during the flight undoubtedly caused significant distress and concern among those involved.

Turbulence is a known risk during flights, but its severity can vary, occasionally leading to injuries or, as in this case, even loss of life. The impact of such incidents extends beyond the physical injuries, affecting passengers and crew emotionally and psychologically.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and measures to mitigate the risks associated with air travel. Airlines and aviation authorities continually work to enhance safety standards and procedures to minimize the occurrence and severity of such incidents.

As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the turbulence unfold, it’s crucial for authorities and industry stakeholders to learn from this tragedy and implement any necessary improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew on future flights. Additionally, support and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life in this distressing event.

“Kogi East APC Youths Movement Issues Stern Warning Against Ethnic Politics”

The Kogi East APC Youths Movement recently held a press conference in Lokoja, where they addressed the issue of ethnic politics in the state. Led by the Convener, Comrade Promise Emmanuel, the group expressed deep concern over the divisive nature of ethnic politics and its detrimental effects on the unity and progress of Kogi State.

During the conference, Emmanuel accused certain politicians within the state of perpetuating ethnic politics for their personal gain, rather than focusing on the development and well-being of the people. Although he refrained from naming specific individuals, he emphasized that the Igala/Bassa nation, to which many in the state belong, should not be portrayed as ethnic bigots, contrary to some narratives being circulated.

The movement vehemently denounced the manipulation of ethnic sentiments by politicians to sow discord among the youth and other communities. They emphasized that the Igala/Bassa nation is inclusive and welcomes people from diverse backgrounds without seeking dominance or exclusivity.

Furthermore, the group rejected political tribalism in all its forms and declared that Kogi State belongs to all its people, regardless of ethnicity or creed. They drew a clear line against tribalism, affirming that such divisive tendencies have no place in the state’s political landscape.

The youths highlighted the dangers of allowing tribalism to permeate society, warning that it could erode the fabric of unity and hinder progress and prosperity in Kogi East and the state as a whole. They criticized politicians who had previously avoided ethnic agendas but had now resorted to divisive narratives for their own selfish interests and ambitions.

In conclusion, the Kogi East APC Youths Movement reiterated their commitment to promoting unity and embracing diversity as sources of strength for the progress and prosperity of Kogi State. They called for the eradication of tribalism from the political sphere and urged all stakeholders to prioritize the collective good above personal gain.

One year after, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, stating that he has failed to dispel doubts and rekindle hope among Nigerians. This critique likely reflects broader sentiments within the party regarding Tinubu’s leadership and its perceived effectiveness.

Tinubu, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a former governor of Lagos State, has been widely regarded as a key figure within the APC and a potential presidential candidate. However, this criticism suggests that his leadership may not have met the expectations of some members of the party.

The chieftain’s remarks imply that Tinubu’s actions or statements over the past year have not been sufficient to inspire confidence or optimism among Nigerians. This failure to reignite hope could be attributed to various factors, including policy decisions, political rhetoric, or perceived shortcomings in addressing key issues facing the country.

The criticism from within the APC underscores potential divisions or dissatisfaction within the party regarding Tinubu’s leadership style or approach. It also highlights the challenges facing the party as it navigates internal dynamics and prepares for future political contests.

Overall, this critique suggests that Tinubu’s leadership may face scrutiny and skepticism within the APC and the broader Nigerian political landscape as the country grapples with various socio-economic and political challenges.

The funeral ceremonies for President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other victims of the helicopter crash in Iran have commenced. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, resulting in the loss of several high-ranking government officials.

Thousands of government supporters gathered in the city of Tabriz to pay their respects and bid farewell to the departed leaders. The atmosphere was somber as mourners expressed their grief over the sudden and untimely deaths.

The funeral proceedings began in Tabriz, followed by additional mourning ceremonies planned in Qom and Tehran. These locations hold significant religious and political importance in Iran, and the ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds of mourners.

President Raisi, who was widely respected and held a prominent position in Iranian politics, is scheduled to be buried in Mashhad. Mashhad is a revered Shiite city, and his burial at the shrine of Imam Reza holds deep significance for the Iranian people.

The helicopter crash occurred under tragic circumstances, with dense fog in the mountainous region contributing to the accident. President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, and seven other occupants lost their lives while returning from a meeting with Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan.

The loss of President Raisi and other government officials has deeply impacted Iran, prompting widespread mourning and reflection across the nation. The funeral ceremonies serve as an opportunity for Iranians to honor their leaders’ legacies and come together in solidarity during this period of mourning.

“1.2 Million Federal Higher Education Students to Benefit from Nigerian Government’s Student Loan Program”

The Nigerian government has announced that 1.2 million federal higher education students are set to benefit from the first phase of the Student Loan scheme. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Education Loan Fund, revealed this information on Monday, laying the groundwork for the launch of the program’s portal scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024.

In his statement, Sawyerr emphasized that the scheme would directly pay school fees to students’ institutions. He outlined the application requirements, which include the submission of an admission letter from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Identity Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and completed application forms from the program’s website.

Sawyerr clarified, “The loan application process has been streamlined to ensure easy access for all eligible students in federal tertiary institutions.” He further explained that the fees would be disbursed directly to the institutions, not to the students themselves.

With approximately 1.2 million students enrolled in federal tertiary institutions owned by the government, Sawyerr indicated that this figure represents the maximum number of students who stand to benefit initially. However, he hinted at the possibility of expanding the program to include state-owned institutions, potentially increasing the number of beneficiaries.

The announcement follows the enactment of the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 3.