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Taraba community allege harassment by monarch, demand govt action

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Residents of Kwararafa Chiefdom in Gassol local government council of Taraba State have called on the state governor, Agbu Kefas to urgently intervene and stop the Chief of Gassol, Idris Chiroma from allegedly using security forces and the courts to harass them.

Making the call in a protest held over the weekend in Kwararafa, the community alleged that the Gassol Chief, whose authority they claim does not extend to Kwararafa, has been employing the police, security operatives, and the judiciary to intimidate the residents.

Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Kefas Sabo, alleged that cases of police harassment, arrests, and detentions worsened after the Chief’s younger brother was elected to the House of Representatives in 2023, representing the Gassol and Bali constituencies.

According to the protesters, the monarch in question has been uncomfortable with the creation of Kwararafa Chiefdom by former governor Darius Ishaku in 2018.

The protesters further claimed that the Chief had filed three lawsuits against the formation of the chiefdom, all of which were ruled in favour of Kwararafa.

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Kwararafa, as observed by our reporter, was one of the 47 chiefdoms created under the 2018 Taraba State Chieftaincy Amendment Law.

The chiefdom includes several villages including, Tella, Dobeli, Dissol, Takai, and Sabongida to mention but just a few.

Expressing concern over what they described as a “declaration of war” by the Gassol Chief against their community, they said there is a need for the incumbent state governor to wade in and call the monarch to order.

“It is with great bitterness that we inform you that, unlike other newly created chiefdoms who enjoy peaceful coexistence with their mother chiefdoms, our situation has been different because the Chief of Gassol has declared war on our chiefdom, which was legally established,” Sabo said.

In addition to the lawsuits filed against Kwararafa’s creation, the Gassol Chief according to the aggrieved residents, was also alleged to have launched 39 separate legal cases against farmers in the chiefdom.

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The protesters also accused some officials from the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of colluding with the Gassol Chief to alter the original map of villages that were transferred from Gassol to form the Kwararafa Chiefdom.

They pleaded with the governor to also prevent the monarch from further encroachment on Kwararafa’s boundaries, which they said were clearly demarcated by law.

When reached for confirmation, the monarch who spoke through one of the elders in Gassol chiefdom, described the allegation as “baseless and false”.

The elder, Senator Ibrahim Goje, said the protesters are not even members of the chiefdom they are claiming to represent.”

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.

The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.

Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.

Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.

“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.

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“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.

She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

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Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.

A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.

According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.

He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.

Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”

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The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.

Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.

He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.

The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon

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The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

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The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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