Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in Nigeria has written a letter to the National Assembly, stating its opposition to the controversial bill which seeks to establish a federal agency to supervise, coordinate and monitor Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Society Organisations. “The National Human Rights Commission is of the view that there is no need for the establishment of an NGO Regulatory Commission as most of the roles and functions ascribed to this ‘Commission’ in the proposed bill falls within the mandate of Corporate Affairs Commission and other Agencies referred to in the bill,” the NHRC stated in a letter it sent to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The letter, dated September 26, was signed by NHRC’s Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Omodara Olaniyi. The NHRC, however, went ahead to propose some amendments which it said the lawmakers should consider if they insist on passing the bill into law. For instance, Section 15(C) of the bill s

By Komolafe Daniel Arising report indicates former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is sure to be the fourth time lucky, as he throws his hat into the ring to contest the forthcoming 2019 Presidential election. Post-Nigeria reliably gathered that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has secretly endorsed Atiku, because of the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led the government to bring the desired changed. “Apparently aware of Atiku’s intimidating political structures across the nation, Obasanjo has likely endorsed him”, a source said. Post-Nigeria’s investigation revealed that Atiku is reputed to have sauntered into the fourth republic, with the huge measured quantity of democratic credentials. Atiku established himself as a Democrat immediately he left the public service, and became a political devotee of late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, an acclaimed great political tactician that flounced the country like a hurricane. His political history is legendary: a Politician, Bus

As the date for the commencement of the trial of suspected Boko Haram terrorists inch closer, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, has said that the trial of Boko Haram suspects would be done within the justice safeguards and in compliance with the rule of law. In a press statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Malami told participants in a one-day sensitization workshop organized by Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Kainji Prosecution Project that fairplay will be guaranteed during the trial. The AGF represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Oludayo Toba Apata, expressed that deradicalization is an essential element of the project and solicits the support all the participants, emphasizin

We believe it's time people in authority act like they are in charge. With events unfolding, our attention has been drawn to the gifting of 10 million Naira Edo state tax payers money to a group of journalists  purportedly referred to as "friends of Oshiomhole". We are informed that Adams Oshiomhole, approved the handsome sum of ten million Naira to be " dashed" to a few members of NUJ before he left office. NUJ is a body we hold in very high esteem. It reports on government activities as well as reactions to the actions and inactions of government. It's supposed to give a balanced reportage of events in our society. But with the revelation of "bribery" of a few, It is clear reportage may not have been balanced, fair and truthful. To our utter surprise, and maybe in continuation of the unholy alliance that existed, Governor Obaseki, who has been pleading lack of funds to pay pensioners, fix roads, equip hospitals and generally run government, mad

Leaders of the Niger Delta region led by a former minister of information, Chief Edwin Clark have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse his recent appointments and promotions in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries, arguing that they were lopsided. Addressing newsmen yesterday, in Abuja, Chief Clark said, "The cabal surrounding Mr President should allow him do the right thing. He was elected as President of Nigeria and not President of a particular section of the country." He claimed that the whole of south had only 19 positions out of the 55 positions in the NNPC, while the north, a non-oil producing region has 36 including very senior offices. Chief Clark explained that the elders in the region under the umbrella of Pan-Niger Delta Elders' Forum (PANDEF) had initiated a peace process that led to the growth and stability of the nation's economy and would not want their children to return to the creeks. "We are pl

By Barbara Sam Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has rejected claims that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being held by the Nigerian Government. Mohammed’s claim is coming days after the Nigerian army, under the ‘Operation Python Dance II’ invaded home of the IPOB leader and clashed with members of the group in Umuahia, Abia state capital. Ever since the clash, the whereabouts of Kanu has remained unknown. Read also: JUST IN: Kanu’s lawyer takes Buratai to Court Reacting to the claim, Mohammed told reporters that, “He (Kanu) is not being held by government at all.” According to him, Kanu has “crossed a line” with his agitation for Biafra and that he (Mohammed) suspects the IPOB leader could be hiding.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has said that the reactivation and proper control of grazing reserves across the country is a panacea that will guarantee sustainable peace between farmers and herdsmen. He stated this on Wednesday when he hosted Rev. Phyllis Sortor, the Director, Schools for Africa, a non-governmental organisation working for peaceful co-existence between the the herdsmen and their host communities in his office in Minna, the state capital. The governor maintained that the restoration of grazing reserves and making them functional are germane for the search for peace in the face of the recurring hostilities between the pastoralists and farmers. Read also: Afghanistan’s only female governor Impeached According to the Governor, “for a lasting and sustainable peaceful coexistence of our farmers and the herdsmen in the country, we must bring back to grazing reserves. The reserves must however be subjected to proper control and monitoring in order to avo

Twelve communities in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State have been flooded following two days of downpour, while more than 3,000 farmlands have been destroyed. The incident, which occurred between the late hours of September 18 and the early hours of September 19, has rendered hundreds of residents homeless and properties worth millions of naira destroyed. The Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, told NAN on Sunday, during an inspection of the affected areas that the economic survival of residents of the affected communities had been seriously affected. Inaku stated that more than 1,000 people had been displaced and were taking refuge in nearby communities. According to him, the state government has promised to address the plight of the people. NAN reports that some of the communities affected are Bago, Unu, Bagabo, Bakie, Bufua and Kakwe-Beebo. He stated, “The deluge of September 18 and 19 has caused massive flooding i

A staff of the Ogba Zoological Garden and Natural Park in Benin, Edo State, Helen Juchei, has related how three policemen were slaughtered by yet to be identified gunmen, after buying them beer. The hoodlum who went away with the service rifles of the three policemen, also abducted the Director of the Zoo, Andy Ehanire. Ehanire is the younger brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and a former Senator and wife of a retired army General, Daisy Danjuma. Juchei who was on duty on the fateful Sunday, said funseekers who witnessed the incident, confirmed that the assailants bought three bottles of Heineken beer for their victims before shooting them, after the policemen carelessly laid their gun on the ground to drink their beer. “Yesterday after I finished my normal duty in the morning, people were just entering the Zoo. And at this time, my boss has not come. We usually come before our boss and when he eventually came at about 1 pm, it was now my turn to take o

In a press release referenced NUJ/CC/MC/01/9/17, the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said they welcomed and upheld the suspension of nine of their members that took part in the sharing of N5,000,000 (Five million naira) meant for members of the NUJ . This was contained in a  communique at the end of an emergency congress of the Correspondent chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council held on 25TH September, 2017 The meeting was convened at instance of concerned members of the chapel who felt disturbed by the action of its Executive and some members in the misappropriation of N5-million meant at the NUJ, Edo State Council. According to the release, "Congress met and resolved as follows: That the suspension order by the NUJ State Congress on the Secretary of the Union, Mr. Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Guardian) who is a member of the chapel, the chapel Chairman, Simon Ebegbulem (Vanguard), Vice Chairman, Cajetan Mmuta (New Telegraph), Se

Three policemen who were posted to provide security for fun seekers at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo local government area have been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. The three policemen were killed at about 6pm while their arms and ammunition were collected by the attackers. Director and Chief Executive of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted by the gunmen. It was gathered that the killing disrupted activities at the zoo as many fun seekers scampered for safety. Edo State police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killings and abduction on the phone said the situation has been brought under control. DSP Nkombe said the attackers would soon be arrested as security has been beefed up in the area. He assured members of the public that the zoo is safe for fun seekers.

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin The Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has disclosed plans to set up the Benin Royal Academy of Performing Arts at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin City to provide opportunity for Benin people to learn Edo language, culture, art and craft. The Oba of Benin disclosed this when he received the Edo Artiste Association of Nigeria, in his Palace in Benin City. On the request to have Edo African Magic in the DSTV, the Benin Monarch said Edo people at home and abroad would be contacted on how to support the project, pointing out that it would help showcase the rich cultural heritage of Edo people. The President of Edo Artiste Association of Nigeria, Mr. RichyUgiagbe said they were in the Palace to solicit the support of His Royal Majesty in the promotion of Edo artistes, culture, tradition and artistry of Benin Kingdom. He requested for an office accommodation at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre to serve as their Secretar

The Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Friday hosted the former governor of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to a grand reception in Benin City, for his outstanding achievements while in office. Welcoming his guest to the colourful occasion that was graced by serving governors, captains of industry, and other dignitaries, Oba Ewuare II described the tenure of former governor Oshiomhole as eventful and an era that opened the way to social-economic development of the state. According to the revered monarch, “a lot of encomiums have already been showered on the former governor but we felt we needed to host him at the Palace Ground for promoting the Edo Culture and doing what past governors thought were impossible. He was committed to duty, achieved what past administrations could not achieve and showed great respect to the Benin Monarchy.” The Oba prayed for comrade Oshiomhole and presented a special gift, a bronze bust of the former governor to him. In

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin The Oba of Benin has advised Benin people living in diaspora to come together under one umbrella and strive for the development of Benin Kingdom. His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II gave the advice when he played host to the President and members of Edoma Club in Lagos. The Benin Monarch said if they form one formidable body there would be strength rather than proliferating it into different bodies of Benin people living on one community. Oba Ewuare II informed the visitors of Palace plan to develop a database of all Benin people in various fields of human endeavour for easy communication. Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo said sanity has been restored in land acquisition with the banning of Community Development Association (CDA), while the Kingdom now attract investors. The Oba of Benin noted that though the ban of CDA may not have gone down well with some people who were benefitting from it, but it is good for the people and society.

The crisis rocking the Edo state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) has worsened with the Congress of the NUJ meeting and reaching far reaching decisions which included suspension of senior members or their refund of the monies they allegedly collected from government for “dirty” works during the Edo 2016 gubernatorial election. The Congress of the NUJ met in Benin today and decided to suspend the nine members who shared the N5m bribe money termed ‘parting gift’ they claimed Oshiomhole gave them as “his friends”. The nine members who got the Congress disciplinary action are     Simon Ebegbulem, Vanguard     Tony Osauzo, Sun     Ehis Igbaugba, NAN     Friday Otabor, Nation     Adibe Emenyonu, This Day,     Mmuta Cajetan, New Telegraph,     Patrick Ochoga, Leadership,     Adekunbi Ero, Tell and     Aliu Ozioruva, who is Secretary of NUJ and who allegedly collected the cash and who now freelances for the Guardian Newspapers. The suspended members were given until

By Isaac Eranga Residents of Uwasota around Ugbowo axis, and Uwelu quarters, all of Egor Local Government Area, have commended the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), over the incessant supply of electricity in the locality.  They made this commendation when our reporter visited the locality to ascertain the level of performance of BEDC. Respondents said for over some months, electricity supply has been consistent, saying there is no iota of doubt that the electricity company has improved. Speaking, a nursing mother, Mrs. Blessing Ejaita, said she was very happy with the recent development of BEDC, saying her baby can now sleep comfortably without her using hand fan on the baby. "May God bless the management and staff of BEDC. I pray they do not relent in their efforts", she said. Also speaking, an industrial fan repairer who introduced himself as Mr. Edward Osaro, said the recent development has helped him to retain his most of his customers. He also commend

The dust has finally settled after years of controversies and heated arguments who the real owners of present day Lagos are, the whole of Western Nigeria and the East of the Niger down to the Nigerian south Atlantic Coast. The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has finally told the world via a historical narrative and background the real owners of Nigeria's economic capital city of Lagos and parts of neigbouring Benin Republic. Lagos, he said, belongs to the Great Benin Kingdom and has never been part of Yoruba land. This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Lagos Monarch which was released from his palace. The statement reads: "Coming from the palace, with what I was told by my late paternal grandmother who is a descendant of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and also reading from factual Historical books, let me share this Knowledge with you all on Eko/Lagos. "Modern day Lagos was founded by Prince Ado, the son of the Oba of Benin, Prince

By Barbara Sam September 20, 2017 Kenyan Actress, Maureen Wanza famously known as Shasha has died during child- birth while her baby also died shortly after birth. Social Reporters gathered that  Maureen had been rushed to a private clinic after developing complications. According to the of CEO Ashiners Films, Ann Hamburg: “It was an emergency. While at the facility, her situation worsened as she gave birth. She bled to death. Unfortunately, her baby also died minutes later.” Her death came at a time when hundreds of patients in the country are seeking treatment in private hospitals due to the industrial action that has paralyzed services in all public hospitals. Late Maureen Wanza had worked with big names in the TV industry including, Ken Ambani (Baraza), Henry Lenga, Simiyu Barasa and Osborn Muga among others.

By Editor on September 19, 2017 The lawyer representing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, says he has not communicated with his client since September 14, when Mr. Kanu’s Abia State home was “invaded” by soldiers. The lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, was reacting to reports that Mr. Kanu had gone into hiding. In a statement  issued on Tuesday, Mr. Ejiofor claimed his client was abducted by military operatives on September 14. He said “Mr. Kanu has probably been killed”. Although, more facts have emergedn the registratioon document documents of IPOB by Nnamdi Kanu which he did in California where he allegedly registered the group as a business ventures. Mr. Kanu was last seen in public on September 10, after his supporters clashed with soldiers. Mr. Ejiofor said some IPOB supporters were killed the clash. However, a letter purportedly signed by Mr. Kanu, quoted the IPOB leader as saying he would not be attending an earlier scheduled meeting with South East gover

Answer: A “worldview” refers to a comprehensive conception of the world from a specific standpoint. A “Christian worldview,” then, is a comprehensive conception of the world from a Christian standpoint. An individual’s worldview is his “big picture,” a harmony of all his beliefs about the world. It is his way of understanding reality. One’s worldview is the basis for making daily decisions and is therefore extremely important. An apple sitting on a table is seen by several people. A botanist looking at the apple classifies it. An artist sees a still-life and draws it. A grocer sees an asset and inventories it. A child sees lunch and eats it. How we look at any situation is influenced by how we look at the world at large. Every worldview, Christian and non-Christian, deals with at least these three questions: 1) Where did we come from? (and why are we here?) 2) What is wrong with the world? 3) How can we fix it? A prevalent worldview today is naturalism, which answers the three que

HuffPost • Ed Mazza • Mon, Sep 18 2:34 AM PDT There’s yet another doomsday date approaching, with some claiming that the rapture will start on Saturday. That’s when certain Christians will get sucked up into heaven while the Earth descends into a chaotic “tribulation” period for those who are left. Several videos about the supposed coming cataclysm are going viral with similar claims, including the trippy clip above showing some kind of space queen giving birth in front of a seven-headed moon lizard. But don’t stock up on Jim Bakker’s doomsday food buckets just yet. The entire basis for the prediction is bunk. The September rapture date came from a Christian researcher named David Meade who calculated it would occur 33 days after last month’s eclipse, The Washington Post reported. “Jesus lived for 33 years. The name Elohim, which is the name of God to the Jews, was mentioned 33 times [in the Bible],” Meade told the newspaper. “It’s a very biblically significant, numerologically si

By Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin When the AmanayaborTwon Brass of Bayelsa State, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff paid a personal visit to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II in his Palace in Benin City, on Tuesday 15th August, 2017 no one ever imagined that it would become subject of controversy later. The Oba of Benin is a Monarch that has respect for everyone, especially fellow traditional rulers of the status of King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the AmanayaborTwon Brass. Consequently, the Oba of Benin willingly received King Diete-Spiff even at the shortest notice and without prior knowledge of why he was visiting. This was done against the usual protocol observed in the Oba Palace, as every visitor to the Oba must make known his or her purpose of visiting before he or she is allowed to meet the Monarch. Moreover, it was generally believed that the calibre of King Alfred Diete-Spiff is a man that cannot be doubted. During the visit, King Diete-Spiff intro

* 65 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 3 million die from it each year, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide. * 10 million people develop tuberculosis and 1.4 million die from it each year, making it the most common lethal infectious disease. * 334 million people suffer from asthma, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. * Pneumonia kills millions of people each year making it a leading cause of death in the very young and very old. * At least 2 billion people are exposed to toxic indoor smoke; 1 billion inhale polluted outdoor air; and 1 billion are exposed to tobacco smoke.   To compound the tragedy, many conditions are getting worse! We cannot sit still and allow this to happen. We must unite for lung health and reduce this terrible burden.   World Lung Day is a rallying point for advocacy related to respiratory health and air quality. Lung disease is the only major chronic disease group that does not yet ha

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin Before Oba Ewuare II ascended the throne as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom on 20th October, 2016 every complaint brought before the Palace were usually heard at ‘Ogue-Ematon” in the Oba Palace. And in some cases committees made up of Palace Chiefs were constituted to listen and resolve such complaints on behalf of the Omo N’Oba. However, the Benin Custom and Tradition places restriction on women and forbid them from entering the “Ogue-Ematon”, which means that women with cases to be heard at “Ogue-Ematon” are represented. Reports have it that some of the committees constituted to resolve issue distort fact and misrepresent issues to His Royal Majesty. In a bid to bring sanity, fairness, equal right and justice to Palace administration, the reigning Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II initiated the “Open Mediation” at Ugha-Ozolua in the Oba Palace. The purpose among others was to provide opportunity for women who can

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin The Oba of Benin has called on the Federal Government to grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adequate logistics to effectively support its work in the democratic process. The Benin Monarch made the call in his Palace in Benin City when the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Bob Efanga paid him a courtesy visit. Oba Ewuare II said INEC is quite significant considering its vital role in conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. His Royal Majesty charged INEC to try to improve and remain impartial in subsequent elections so as to enthrone credible leaders who will bring peace, progress and development to Nigeria. Earlier, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Bob Efanga told the Oba of Benin and the Palace Chiefs present that he was in the Palace to formally introduce himself and the management team of the State INEC. Barr. Efanga solicited for the support of the Palace

In a bid to dispute the notion that he is corrupt held by some Nigerians, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he had never stolen a ‘kobo’ of the nation’s resources while he held leadership positions. Mr. Atiku, who is believed to be nursing a presidential ambition come 2019, said during a facility tour of the new ultra-modern Yaliam Press Limited in Jabi area of Abuja on Monday that all he had garnered in life was as a result of hard work Mr. Atiku is believed to be one of the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria and also partly bankrolled the campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. He recently caused a ripple in the polity when he slammed the ruling party, All Progress Congress, APC, for abandoning him after his support towards the party’s clinching of the presidency in 2015. Mr. Atiku said that Nigerians believed that he was corrupt because they “always assume that a man cannot build himself without stealing.” “It is sickening to continue to regurgitate

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT The Benin Traditional Council wishes to inform the general public that due to the upcoming activities to celebrate the first anniversary of the coronation of His Royal Majesty, O.o N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare 11, Oba of Benin in October, the open mediation held at Ugha Ozolua in the Oba Palace has been suspended forthwith. The suspension is to enable everybody prepare adequately for the celebration and, the take off of the Benin Customary Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee (BCADRC). It would be recalled that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin initiated the open mediation at Ugha Ozolua to provide opportunity for women to bring their complaints to Omo N'Oba for justice. The Palace is confident that Benin Customary Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee (BCADRC) will effectively continue with this unprecedented laudable initiative of His Royal Majesty. Oba ghato Kpere, Ise. Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council

A 13-year-old girl who died from a brain aneurysm has helped a record eight different people, including five children, through organ donation. Jemima Layzell, from Somerset, who died in 2012, donated her heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, small bowel and liver. Jemima's parents said she was clever, compassionate and creative - and would have been "very proud of her legacy". NHS Blood and Transplant said no other donor had helped as many people. Jemima collapsed during preparations for her mum's 38th birthday party and died four days later at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Her heart, small bowel, and pancreas were transplanted into three different people while two people received her kidneys. Her liver was split and transplanted into a further two people, and both of her lungs were transplanted into one patient. Normally, a donation results in 2.6 transplants - eight is very unusual. 'Special and unique' Jemima's mum Sophy Layzell, 43, a drama