COMMY'S PAGE...keeps you updated

  The long-neglected hospital has been revitalized by the new state governor. The recently renovated Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba stands as proof that the governor is making significant strides, all within the first year of office. Online, people have celebrated this achievement by sharing pictures of the transformed hospital premises. According to the governor, One of my priorities, when I took office, was to restore the accreditation of our College of Medicine and Health Sciences ABSU, which was revoked due to inadequate facilities and staff welfare. I witnessed the suffering of our students, lecturers, and patients, and I promised to never let it happen again. We invested massively in the renovation and upgrade of the infrastructure, equipment, and personnel of ABSUTH. I am glad to announce that the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu has successfully regained full accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)

  Hollywood actor Darius McCrary has faced another arrest due to failure to meet child support obligations.  The "Family Matters" star, a father of two daughters and one son, was charged with a felony on November 27 for not fulfilling his child support payments. According to court documents, as of March 12, 2019, he owed $52,788.04. Despite pleading not guilty, he was assigned bond conditions of $13,197.01, including GPS monitoring. Online records indicate that he remains in custody. This isn't the first time Darius has been in legal trouble for unpaid child support; he was previously arrested in 2015 and later paid approximately $5,500 in overdue support.  In 2017, he claimed financial hardship, stating an income of only $500 in the previous year, preventing him from meeting child support obligations to his then-estranged wife, Tammy Brawner. The couple's contentious divorce was finalized in 2019, with one stipulation being that Darius pay Tammy $1,366 per month in c

  Two individuals have been apprehended by the Ondo Police Command in connection with the disappearance of a newborn baby and the baby's placenta in Isua, the headquarters of Akoko South-West Local Government. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, has identified the arrested suspects as 40-year-old herbalist Akinjise Ifeoluwa and 66-year-old grandmother of the missing baby, Oyewole Margaret. Odunlami explained that the baby and placenta went missing while the mother was unconscious after giving birth. According to the statement, the incident was reported on December 1, 2023, as a suspected murder case at Isua Division. The complainant, Oyewale Oluwaseun, raised concerns about his sister, who, after giving birth, could not provide a satisfactory account of the baby's whereabouts. The sister claimed the baby had died and was buried with their mother's assistance without informing other family members. The police later arrested an individual in co

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has relocated materials used in the Kogi State governorship election held on November 11 from its office in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, to Abuja.  According to reports, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu ordered the relocation, and the materials, including election results, BVAS, and other sensitive documents, were transported in at least four trucks under heavy security to the Federal Capital Territory.  The decision was made due to concerns about the safety of the materials in Kogi, given the frequent attacks on INEC officials, offices, and tribunal members by thugs allegedly sponsored by unknown politicians. Additionally, the Kogi election tribunal moved its sitting to the National Judicial Council complex in Jabi, Abuja, in response to security threats in Lokoja.

  Joseph Ibironke, a 68-year-old man from Ondo State, claims to have spent nine years in the United Kingdom and 21 years in the United States before finding himself in Nigeria due to a strange illness. Identifying as Pastor Joseph Ibironke, he was born on February 2, 1955, in Igbara Oke, Ifedore Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.  Currently residing in Lameco, Sango Ota, Ogun State, close to Nigerian Breweries in Sango, he earns a living with support from others as a minister of God. Raised in a family of 11 children, he is the youngest. Before leaving Nigeria, two siblings had passed away. Upon returning, he found himself with six siblings, but currently has three remaining from his parents. His education includes attending Anglican Grammar School, Igbara Oke, Ondo State, and briefly studying at the University of Lagos before leaving for the UK in the 1980s.  He worked with Union Bank before moving to London for further studies, attending a Bible college and Unity College, No

  Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed satisfaction with the improved performance of civil servants during the first 200 days of his administration. The commendation was given during the grand finale of the 2023 Enugu State Civil Servants Week in Enugu on Friday. Governor Mbah assured state workers of an enhanced welfare package and highlighted the shift in focus from mere work attendance to productivity. The goal is to foster a sustainable economy, establish the state as an investment hub, and achieve a proposed $30 billion gross domestic product. Acknowledging the workers' professionalism, the governor praised their commitment and teamwork in aligning with the administration's vision. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented the governor during the event and emphasized that the administration's accomplishments were made possible by the workers' resilience and dedication. Governor Mbah urged the civil servants to maintain the h

  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 950 personnel for special Christmas and New Year patrol operations in Kwara. Basambo Busari, the Kwara FRSC Public Education Officer, conveyed this information in a statement released on Friday in Ilorin. Busari specified that the deployment includes 350 special marshals, 120 first responders, 40 patrol vehicles, two power bikes, four ambulances, four private tow trucks, and a 70-ton tow truck for the operations during this period. He explained that these special operations are in response to the expected increase in the movement of vehicles across road corridors in the state during the festive season. The goal is to address potential road traffic issues associated with this surge in activity. The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, has also directed the deployment of personnel for traffic control at strategic locations within the Ilorin metropolis and major cities in the state. Dawulung emphasized the importance of ro

Precious Mbajiorgu, a visually-impaired student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, recently received recognition from the West African Examination Council for being the top candidate in the 2002 Senior School Certificate Examination (physical disability category).  In an interview, she shared that losing her sight at the age of 11 had a profound impact on her life. Hi, I'm Precious Mbajiorgu from Oborisiala in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.  I'm 28 years old and currently a 100-level student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. I wasn't born blind; I lost my sight at the age of 11 between 2007 and 2008 while attending Awada Primary School in Obosi. One day in class, while solving a math problem on the board, I suddenly couldn't see anymore. It was like a mystery with no prior symptoms or pain.  Despite visiting several hospitals, doctors couldn't find any defects in my sight. I managed the situation until 2018 when evangelists introduc

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has advocated for legislation against unexplained wealth as a means to curb the criminal activities of treasury looters in the country. During a two-day International Law Conference titled "Unexplained Wealth in the Global South: Examining the Asset Recovery and Return Trajectory," organized by Christopher University in Mowe, Ogun State on Thursday, the EFCC chairman pointed out that while several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Trinidad and Tobago, have adopted Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) since 2018, Nigeria's leading anti-graft agency, the EFCC, still relies on the provisions of Section 7 of its Establishment Act to address the issue. He stated, "The problem of unexplained wealth is not confined to a local level. Jurisdictional legislations exist worldwide to combat it. Many countries have faced criminal activities stemmin

  Four healthcare workers have been imprisoned after they were captured on camera physically and emotionally abusing an elderly patient, as reported by the BBC on Thursday. Ame Tunkara and Morountaro Adefila were convicted of ill-treatment and willful neglect, receiving a four-month sentence on December 8. Additionally, Danny Ohen and Bridget Aideyan, found guilty of the same offenses, were sentenced to six months and four months, respectively, on November 14. Police disclosed that the workers were recorded on camera mishandling an 89-year-old woman suffering from vascular dementia and unable to speak. In February 2020, the woman's family covertly installed a camera and documented footage over four days upon noticing bruising on her arm. The footage revealed instances of rough handling, hitting with a pillow, and a lack of dignity and respect. Regrettably, the woman passed away in October, with a police official remarking that "she should not have endured such ill-treatment du

  Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has disclosed the next course of action following the Supreme Court's decision. Ejimakor stated that Kanu's legal team will seek a bail application for the IPOB leader at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He spoke to the press shortly after the Supreme Court declined to order Kanu's release. In the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim but authored by Justice Garba Lawal, the Supreme Court overturned the Appeal Court's decision that acquitted Kanu of all terrorism charges in October 2022. The Supreme Court maintained that despite the Nigerian government's reckless and unlawful removal of Kanu from Kenya, such actions did not prevent the court from proceeding with the trial. Justice Lawal emphasized that the suit seeking Kanu's release based on the unlawful abduction did not cite any Nigerian law. He suggested that Kanu's remedy in such a situation

 A mother accused of suffocating her twin 2-year-old daughters to death has admitted guilt, as reported by New York officials. In June 2019, Tenia Campbell's mother called 911, stating that her 28-year-old daughter was "driving around in the family van and threatening to kill her daughters," according to a December 13 news release from the Suffolk County District Attorney. Officers were dispatched to the areas between Medford and Montauk to locate Campbell, and an East Hampton police officer observed the van with Campbell nearby, according to the district attorney. Upon approaching the van, the twins were discovered "dead in their car seats," with Campbell later confessing to smothering them, according to officials. District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney expressed sorrow, stating, "This is such a sad and tragic case. Those two little girls looked to this defendant, their mother, for protection and love. Instead, she executed them." He added, "The de

  Prof. Zacheaus Adangor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State, has submitted his resignation in a letter dated November 14, 2023, addressed to Governor Sim Fubara.  Adangor clarified that his departure is based on personal principles, unrelated to the ongoing political crisis in the state.  He expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve in the cabinet and denied earlier rumors of being sacked.  The crisis escalated as the state government demolished the legislative chamber, citing safety concerns due to a recent explosion.  Meanwhile, lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara held a plenary during the demolition.  On Monday, 27 House members defected to the All Progressives Congress, citing party division over the National Secretary position.

  President Bola Tinubu has authorized the suspension, removal, and replacement of certain chief executive officers within the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.  This move, as announced by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday, aligns with the president's commitment to elevating Nigerian Civil Aviation to global standards, emphasizing consumer protection, and promoting the well-being of Nigerian passengers and other stakeholders in the sector. Notably, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been removed from office and succeeded by Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the substantive managing director.  Similarly, Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has been replaced by Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk. Engr. Akinola Olateru, the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has been removed and succeeded by Mr

Two out of the 27 Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers who switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday have distanced themselves from the defection.  Tonye Adoki, representing Port Harcourt Constituency II, and Linda Somiari Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency, stated yesterday that they are undecided about their next course of action and have not joined any political party.  They have also apologized to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Meanwhile, the federal government has disassociated itself from the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that the government should not be held responsible for the conflict between the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.  Idris emphasized that the federal government played no role in the crisis, which led to the defection of 27 lawmakers from the ruling Peopl

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso attributed the current cash scarcity in Nigeria to the inadequate implementation of the naira redesign policy.  Acknowledging flaws in various CBN policies, he announced a comprehensive review initiative to create a refined document with clear rules for navigating the Nigerian money market.  Cardoso addressed the cash crunch during the launch of the World Bank Nigeria Development Update, identifying the poorly executed naira redesign as the main cause. "The anxiety surrounding the policy's conclusion, well in advance of the third quarter, led to widespread hoarding.  Many were concerned that the old notes might lose their legal tender status, prompting them to hold onto their cash. "Regrettably, the origin of this situation lies in the naira redesign policy, and as the year approached its end, much before the third quarter, there was significant apprehension about the outcome.  People were uncertain about whether the old currency would remain val

  Ojulari, an ex-convict, was dragged before Justice Mahmoud Abdulgafar on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of firearms and belonging to a secret cult.    He was found in possession of two locally made pistols and one live cartridge at the APC rally held at Oju Ekun Sarumi ward on January 29, 2023.    The police had said in a statement issued by its former spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, that “Ojulari confessed to being a member of the opposition PDP after his arrest,” adding that “two locally-made short-guns with cartridges and some charms were found in his possession.   The police statement added that the “suspect was only recently released from the correctional facility after serving a prison term. But while delivering the judgement, the court said prosecutors could not establish the offence of belonging to a secret cult.   The court sentenced Ojulari to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of illegal possession of a firearm.   Reacting to the judgement, the PDP state legal adv

  Afeez Akinloye, a 42-year-old Nigerian national, has been extradited from South Africa to the District of Nebraska, United States, to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and access device fraud filed in July 2018. The extradition was announced by Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr in a press release on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The United States initiated the extradition process in November 2021, leading to Akinloye's arrest by South African authorities in September 2022. Following a South African court's extradition order in May 2023 and the Minister of Justice's surrender directive in September, Akinloye was handed over to the United States on December 8, 2023. This extradition was carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Akinloye made his initial appearance on the indictment on December 12, 2023. United States Magistrate Jud

  An American comedian and activist, Tou Ger Xiong, 50, who resided in Minnesota, was abducted and fatally stabbed more than twelve times by a group of men after a date with a woman he met online. Xiong, an Asian-American, was on vacation in Colombia when this tragic incident occurred. He arrived in Medellín on Nov. 29 with the intention of spending the holiday season with family. However, his plans took a dark turn when he encountered a woman on social media and arranged to meet her on Dec. 10. Unfortunately, he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men. Around 7 p.m. local time, Xiong called a friend in Colombia, reporting that the assailants demanded $2,000 (8 million Colombian Pesos) for his release. He also mentioned being "held at gunpoint." Earlier that day, police had been at Xiong's apartment due to a woman taking items from the residence and fleeing before they could apprehend her. Xiong's lifeless body was discovered in the La Corcovado ravine, exhibitin

 The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Wednesday when approximately 10 bulldozers entered the premises of the state House of Assembly, initiating the demolition of the complex. During the early Wednesday sitting, factional Speaker Edison Ehie, along with other lawmakers loyal to the governor, took charge before the demolition commenced. Ehie mentioned that the complex needed repairs after an explosion on October 30, 2023. He assured that the governor would arrange an alternative location for them temporarily. The demolition is being carried out with heightened security. More details later

 President Bola Tinubu has called upon Nigerian doctors living abroad to return home and contribute to the nation's health sector.  He emphasized his administration's commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria, citing substantial investments and increased budget allocations for the sector in the proposed 2024 budget.  Tinubu made this plea on December 12 during the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative at the State House in Abuja. He underscored the government's dedication to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage and urged health professionals in the diaspora to follow the examples of Professor Ali Pate and Tunji Alausa by returning to serve their fellow citizens.  Tinubu also appealed to developed countries benefiting from Nigerian health workers to consider supporting the expansion of training facilities in Nigeria, acknowledging the need to address challenges posed by climate change and prevent the deterioration of the country's hea

  A clash between civilians and one of Mexico's lethal drug cartels resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including 10 members of the cartel's hit squad, according to a Univision Noticias report.  The incident occurred in the State of Mexico, leaving four others injured from gunshot wounds, and two individuals missing. The conflict erupted after members of La Familia Michoacana, a prominent drug trafficking organization, declared an increase in the extortion tax imposed on farmers in Texcaltitlán. This tax, prevalent across Mexico, involves businesses paying cartels to operate without interference. Farmers from Texcaltitlán reportedly met with La Familia Michoacana members at a football pitch on December 8. When negotiations over the tax failed, violence ensued. Videos from the scene depict people fleeing as gunshots ring out, and graphic images reveal burnt vehicles and casualties. Local media sources state that four of the deceased were local farmers, while 10 were affili

 A man from North Carolina, USA, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in his apartment over a 10-day period in February 2020, as stated by local prosecutors. William Todd Murell, 58, was found guilty of first-degree rape and felony assault causing serious bodily injury by a jury on November 13.  He was acquitted of a kidnapping charge but still faces rape and kidnapping charges in a separate case from March 2020. District Attorney Todd Williams expressed gratitude to prosecutors Katie Kurdys and Stormy Ellis for their dedicated advocacy for justice in the lengthy and complex jury trial. The victim testified that Murell provided her with alcohol and a drug called Trazodone, physically assaulted her over the course of 10 days, and raped her. Pardee Hospital staff presented evidence of her injuries, including a sexual assault kit, during the trial in November. On November 13, a jury in Buncombe County found William Todd Murell, 58, guilty o