GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Cross River gov appoints new Head of Service

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service.

Okon’s appointment, which takes effect from September 19, 2025, follows the retirement of Dr. Innocent Eteng.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo on Tuesday, the governor commended Dr. Eteng for his decades of dedication and service, describing his career as a beacon of excellence and commitment.

Governor Otu charged the new Head of Service to bring vision, integrity, and reform-driven zeal to the role, stressing that his administration remains committed to enthroning competent leadership across the state’s public institutions.

“The new Head of Service is expected to foster efficiency, professionalism, and accountability across the public service. This appointment underscores the administration’s steadfast resolve to strengthen the machinery of governance for optimal service delivery to the people of Cross River State,” the statement read.

Upon assumption of office in May 2023, the governor appointed Dr Eteng in September.

Otu’s administration has repeatedly emphasised civil service reform, focusing on professionalism, merit-based promotions, welfare improvements for workers, and stronger governance structures.

During his tenure, Dr. Eteng implemented several measures, including the regularisation of casual workers, many of whom had reportedly served for years without formal recognition.

He also initiated plans to recruit new civil servants to fill vacancies created by mass retirements, while working to align the workforce with merit-driven standards and best practices.

On his part, Okon, before his new appointment, served as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, including at the Ministry of Justice.

With years of administrative and legal experience, he is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and steer the civil service towards greater efficiency.

The transition marks a continuation of Governor Otu’s pledge to reposition the civil service as the engine room of governance, with Okon now tasked with sustaining momentum and deepening reforms that affect thousands of workers across the state.

Gunmen on motorbikes kill 22 at baptism ceremony in Niger

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead 22 villagers in western Niger, most attending a baptism ceremony, local media and other sources said Tuesday.

The shootings happened on Monday in the Tillaberi region, near Burkina Faso and Mali, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group (IS) are active.

A resident of the area told AFP that 15 people were killed first at a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt village.

“The attackers then went to the outskirts of Takoubatt where they killed seven other people,” said the resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Local media outlet Elmaestro TV reported a “gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification”.

“Once again, the Tillaberi region has been struck by barbarism, plunging innocent families into mourning and despair,” Nigerien human rights campaigner Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

Niger’s military leaders, who came to power two years ago in a coup, have struggled to contain jihadist groups in Tillaberi, despite maintaining a large army presence there.

Around 20 soldiers were killed in the region last week.

Human Rights Watch has urged Niger authorities to “do more to protect” civilians against deadly attacks.

The rights monitoring group estimates that the Islamic State group has “summarily executed” more than 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers in Tillaberi in five attacks since March.

Meanwhile, the NGO ACLED, which tracks conflict victims worldwide, says around 1,800 people have been killed in attacks in Niger since October 2024 — three-quarters of them in Tillaberi.

Niger and its neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, also ruled by military coup leaders who claim to pursue a sovereignist policy, have expelled the French and American armies that were fighting alongside them against jihadism.

AFP

Rotary club elects Christiana as president

The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, District 9112, has elected Christiana Okenla as its seventh president and third female leader during an investiture ceremony held recently in Lagos. The event, which drew over 250 Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests, took place under the theme “One World. One Community.”

President Okenla assumed leadership in line with Rotary International’s 2025-2026 theme, “Unite for Good”.Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Past District Governors Asiwaju Dr Michael Olawale-Cole and Omotunde Lawson and Past Assistant Governor Kayode Aderinokun.

A highlight of the investiture was the induction of 25 new members, described by District Governor Lanre Adedoyin as “the largest membership expansion in the club’s recent history.”

He commended President Okenla for a strong start, noting that “Rotary is first a membership club where friendship is built and then strengthened by service to humanity.”

The ceremony also saw the installation of three honorary Rotarians and the presentation of awards recognising outstanding service and humanitarian contributions. Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Samuel Egube, delivered the keynote address, while Chairman of the Executive Group and Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, chaired the event.

In a special recognition segment, Dr Ogunsan, his wife Dr Ajoke O. Ogunsan, and Mr Egube were installed as honorary Rotarians, acknowledging their contributions to community development and humanitarian causes.

The 2025-2026 leadership team includes Rtn. Abiodun Olawale-Cole as President-Elect, Rtn. Afolabi Olufunmilayo Margaret as Secretary, and Ulari Nwaogazie as Treasurer. Several key committee chairs were also appointed to drive the club’s programmes.

President Okenla outlined an ambitious agenda focused on Rotary’s seven areas of focus, with particular emphasis on health, education, and community economic development. She highlighted initiatives including the Pack-to-Schoolproject for underserved students and sponsorship of ten young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos. Plans to expand health outreach programmes such as Safe Start and Dress-a-Dream were also announced.

Rtn. Okenla, who serves as Director of Customer Success for West Africa at Equinix (MainOne), brings more than 22 years of professional experience in banking, telecommunications, and information technology. She previously served as club treasurer during the Imagine Rotary and Create Hope in the World years.

“My leadership philosophy, Purpose, Passion, People, will guide how we embrace Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” she said. “Our purpose gives direction, our passion fuels commitment, and our people remain at the heart of every decision.”

Paying tribute to her late father, Chief Christopher Okhira, and her mother, Deaconess Agnes Okhira, she credited them for instilling values of service and integrity that guide her approach. “I see this Rotary year as a tapestry, each project a thread, each member a weaver, and each act of kindness a colour that makes the whole brighter,” she added.

The ceremony concluded with Okenla pledging to “lead with empathy, integrity, and excellence” while making the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden “a force for good” in the community.

NEMA leads evacuation as flood ravages Adamawa communities

The Yola Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency has led search, rescue, and evacuation efforts after severe flash flooding submerged 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. and lasted until noon, left worship centres, residential buildings, and business premises inundated.

Thousands of households were displaced in areas including Damilu, Jambutu, Bachure, Runde, and Shinko, with many families forced to shelter along major roads.

This comes barely two months after a similar disaster claimed over 30 lives in the state.

On Sunday, the Federal Government had warned that 32 locations across 11 states, including Adamawa, were at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025.

Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, described the situation as devastating.

“So far, there is no life lost recorded. My office, the police, fire service and other security agencies are all carrying out rescue operations now in the affected areas,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, said the command had deployed its marine unit to support rescue missions.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has personally visited some flood-affected areas of Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, Jambutu, amongst others, to assess the situation for necessary assistance. Members of the public in the affected areas are advised to remain calm, avoid flooded zones, and ensure the safety of their families and property,” he stated.

On its official X handle, NEMA confirmed that its rapid-response teams, working alongside ADSEMA, the fire services, local emergency volunteers, and security agencies, had evacuated vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, from high-risk zones to temporary shelters.

“NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs,” the agency added, noting that the operation was carried out in close collaboration with state authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and prevent duplication of efforts.

Sowore counter-sues DSS over anti-Tinubu post

The Federal Government, at the instance of the Department of State Services, on Tuesday, filed criminal charges against activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, 8, over a social media post in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

But Sowore, who sneered at the charges, replied by also suing the DSS before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging what he described as unconstitutional censorship of his social media accounts.

In its charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, the Federal Government alleged that Sowore, using his verified X handle, @YeleSowore, wrote: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

In the five counts filed on Tuesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, M. B. Abubakar, the Federal Government also listed X (formerly Twitter) and Meta (owners of Facebook) as co-defendants alongside Sowore.

The Federal Government said Sowore’s post, made on August 25, contravened Section 24(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The case stemmed from Sowore’s posts during Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, where the President claimed his administration had eliminated corruption.

The DSS subsequently wrote to Sowore demanding he delete the “false, malicious, and inciting” messages, warning that failure to comply would attract legal action “to protect national security and public order.”

The agency also petitioned Meta and X Corp., urging them to delete the posts and deactivate Sowore’s accounts.

Sowore, however, refused, insisting that no amount of pressure would make him retract his comments.

He maintained that his criticism of the government was part of his constitutional duty to hold leaders accountable.

But in the charges, the Federal Government insisted that Sowore’s comments amount to offences punishable under Sections 24(1)(b) of the Act, as well as Sections 59 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.

The agency said the post was intended to incite public disorder, inflame divisions among Nigerians with opposing political views, and damage the reputation of the President.

However, hours after the Federal Government filed the charges on Tuesday, Sowore, through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, counter-sued, praying the court to restrain the DSS from directing social media platforms to delete his posts, including those in which he called Tinubu a “criminal.”

“These suits were filed to challenge the unconstitutional censorship initiated by the DSS/SSS against Sowore’s accounts maintained with Meta and X,” Temokun said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This is about the survival of free speech in Nigeria. If state agencies can dictate to global platforms who may speak and what may be said, then no Nigerian is safe; their voices will be silenced at the whim of those in power.”

He argued that censorship of political criticism was alien to democracy, citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

“No security agency, no matter how powerful, can suspend or delete those rights,” he said. “Meta and X must also understand this: when they bow to unlawful censorship demands, they become complicit in the suppression of liberty. They cannot hide behind neutrality while authoritarianism is exported onto their platforms.”

The suit seeks declarations that the DSS has no authority to censor Nigerians on social media, that Meta and X must not allow their platforms to be used as tools of repression, and that Sowore’s rights—and those of other Nigerians—be fully protected against unlawful interference.

“We call on all lovers of freedom, journalists, human rights defenders, and the Nigerian people to stand firm. Today it is Sowore; tomorrow it may be you,” the statement said. “This struggle is not about personalities. It is about principle. And we shall resist every attempt to turn Nigeria into a digital dictatorship.”

As of Tuesday, neither of the suits had been assigned to a judge.

PMAN Backs Police Report on Kukwaba Land Dispute, Cuts Ties with Olusco

PMAN Backs Police Report on Kukwaba Land Dispute, Cuts Ties with Olusc

Abuja, Nigeria — The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has endorsed the findings of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on alleged fraudulent activities linked to Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd and its Managing Director, Mr. Olufemi Olumeyan, in relation to Plot 504, Kukwaba, Abuja.

According to the police investigation, there is a prima facie case of fraud, intimidation, violence, and breach of peace arising from unauthorised dealings on the land. PMAN, the rightful title holder, said the report confirms long-standing concerns about irregular transactions and thanked the police for their professionalism.

The controversy began in 2023 when PMAN signed a joint venture agreement with Olusco. The agreement, however, was subject to the payment of a premium which Olusco never fulfilled, leaving it unenforceable. Despite this, Olusco allegedly went ahead to advertise and sell portions of the land.

PMAN said the situation worsened after Olusco requested that foreign investment funds be paid into a personal account, a move the association rejected. Later, it emerged that Olusco had struck a separate ₦350 million development deal with G & D Building & Engineering Ltd before disputes arose, leading to petitions to the police.

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The Monitoring Unit also flagged the involvement of former PMAN officials, including Mr. Boniface Itodo and entertainer Mr. Zakky Azzay, who were accused of impersonating executives after their dismissal, thereby misleading the public and aggravating the crisis.

On December 7, 2024, PMAN formally terminated its arrangement with Olusco, citing breaches and risks to the public. The association has since tightened security on the site with police support. During one operation, officers dispersed trespassers, and one person sustained a minor injury while fleeing. PMAN clarified that no shots were fired, countering sensational online reports.

National President, Pretty Okafor, said PMAN’s focus is now on accountability and protecting members of the public. “Anyone who paid money to unauthorised parties should come forward. We are working with the IGP Monitoring Unit and EFCC to trace funds, identify victims, and ensure justice,” he said.

PMAN stressed that no sale or allocation on Plot 504 is valid without its written approval and urged potential buyers to exercise caution

Flood submerges farmlands, 18 communities in Niger

Flood has submerged several farmlands in some communities in Niger State.

This followed an early morning rainfall on Sunday which ripped through farmĺands in Kafin Koro, Paikoro local government areas of the state.

The flood also affected 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area of the state where some farmlands were also affected, and many others at risk of being swept away.

Some of the affected communities include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.

The state government on Sunday re-echoed its earlier warning to riverine communities in the state to immediately relocate to higher grounds, saying the rains have intensified across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement, appealed to communities in the affected areas to immediately relocate to a safer place to avoid further disaster in the state.

Vatsa said that though the government understood the people’s attachment to their ancestral homes, there is the need for them to adhere to the government warning and relocate pending when the rains woulď be over.

“We as a government will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people, especially those in the flood-prone areas, to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster.

“The government is aware of their attachments to their ancestral homes and lands, but with the various flood alerts, and what we are already experiencing, there is an urgent need for them to heed to the government’s warning.

“The Mokwa experience is still very much with us, and we can not afford a repeat of such an experience.

“That is why the government is urging the people to move to a higher ground,” Vatsa said.

The special adviser disclosed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously identified 15 out of the 25 local government areas in the state as very vulnerable to flooding every rainy season.

The Federal Government had instructed residents of four local government areas of the state to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall was expected to trigger flooding between July 31 and August 5, 2025.

This latest directive by the Federal Government follows a flood alert issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which revealed that communities in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu are at high risk of flooding during the forecast period.

The Federal Government’s warning was contained in a statement titled “Flood Prediction”, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, where he urged relevant authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate any disaster.

While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on an enlightenment campaign to all the flood-prone communities, Vatsa called on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join the government in sensitising the people.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.

A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.

He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.

He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.

“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.

“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.

” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.

With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.

However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.

Super Eagles back Lookman’s demand to exit Atalanta

The Super Eagles have thrown their weight behind Ademola Lookman’s request to leave Atalanta at the end of the season, after submitting a formal transfer request.

PUNCH Online reports that the Super Eagles’ forward, in a statement released on his Instagram and X account on Sunday, revealed that he had submitted a transfer request following “many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer.”

According to the Nigerian international, his decision to speak publicly came after exhausting other avenues behind the scenes.

“Sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough.

“It had already been decided that it was the right time for me to move on and experience a new adventure. Myself and the club ownership were in agreement that this summer was the right time for a new chapter.

“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand”, he said.

Throwing its weight behind the obviously frustrated forward, the Super Eagles, in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, wrote, “We stand with Ademola Lookman @Alookman.”

PUNH Online reports that Lookman is seeking a transfer to Inter Milan, but the Serie A football club has frustrated his ambition.

Anambra arrests, prosecutes illegal revenue collectors

The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the State Anti-Touting Agency, has arrested and prosecuted some illegal revenue collectors as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements posing as revenue collectors.

The Chairman of AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, revealed this in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the agency has intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities across the state.

Ezeilo said that in a series of well-coordinated raids on identified black spots, operatives apprehended individuals involved in illegal revenue collection, adding that the state government will continue its clampdown on activities disrupting public order and economic stability.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to law enforcement and the elimination of touting, drug-related offences, and unauthorised revenue collection.

He said, “We urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities as the state intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities.

“These operations send a strong message that illegal practices will no longer be tolerated in Anambra State.

“We call on citizens to support these efforts by being vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“More raids are planned in the coming weeks, as part of the administration’s broader objective to sanitise the revenue system and restore public trust in government processes.”

PUNCH Online gathered that some of the suspects were arrested at UNIZIK Junction for unlawfully extorting motorists, contravening established state revenue laws, while some others were apprehended at Regina Junction, Awka, where they were reportedly collecting levies from tricycle operators under false pretences.

In a related development, one was caught in possession of Indian hemp, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the region.

“The arrested suspects were transferred to the Anambra Internal Revenue for further investigation and subsequently arraigned in court.

“They were convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for their offences.

“The swift and strategic actions by the agency have drawn commendation from residents and business owners in affected areas, who expressed relief at the removal of notorious elements that have long disrupted peace and hindered lawful commerce,” the statement added.