Yobe Deploys International Researchers to Tackle Kidney Disease

In a proactive move to address the rising incidence of kidney disease in the region, the Yobe State Government has enlisted a team of international science researchers to investigate the situation in the Bade Emirate.

The research team, comprising experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Algeria, Senegal, and Ghana, has been deployed to the area to conduct a comprehensive study on kidney disease. This initiative is part of a broader effort to understand and mitigate the health crisis affecting the region.

Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, announced the deployment during a briefing at the palace of the Emir of Bade, Alh. Umar Abubakar Sulaiman. Dr. Gana highlighted that the state’s efforts follow a recent visit by Governor Mai Mala Buni to research institutions in the United Kingdom, including the Crick Research Institute, York University, London School of Hygiene, University College London, and the University of Sussex. These institutions were introduced to Yobe State for potential collaboration in research and training, particularly concerning kidney disease.

Dr. Gana explained, “We are currently in the second phase of our research, with preliminary and advanced stages planned. This visit aims to update His Royal Highness the Emir of Bade on the strategies being implemented to combat the widespread cases of kidney disease in the region.”

Dr. Mahmud Bukar Maina, Special Adviser to Governor Buni on Science, Research, and Innovation, added that the research will include investigations into environmental factors such as water, soil, and food sources, as well as other potential causes of the disease.

The Emir of Bade, His Royal Highness Alh. Umar Abubakar Suleiman, acknowledged the severity of the kidney disease issue in Gashua and surrounding areas. He expressed gratitude for the state’s and researchers’ commitment to addressing the crisis and assured them of the Emirate’s support throughout their investigation.

The Emir thanked Governor Buni and the research team for their dedication and concern, emphasizing the importance of their work for the health and well-being of the community.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate: August 12, 2024

The black market exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira today, August 12, 2024, is as follows:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1603
  • Selling Rate: ₦1610

These rates are for transactions at the Lagos Parallel Market (commonly known as the black market) and are provided by sources at Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official rates are:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1583
  • Selling Rate: ₦1584

Please note that these rates can vary based on market conditions and individual transactions.

CBN FX Auction Results

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recently sold foreign exchange (FX) worth $876.26 million to banks at a rate of ₦1,495 per dollar. This transaction was part of an effort to alleviate demand pressure in the FX market and aid in price discovery.

The auction, conducted through a retail Dutch auction system (rDAS), saw bids from 26 banks, with six banks being disqualified for various reasons, including missed deadlines and incomplete submissions.

Nigerian Woman Explains Why She Tore Her Husband’s Passport at Lagos Airport

A dramatic scene unfolded at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) on Saturday when a Nigerian woman tore her husband’s passport, sparking public outrage and demands for legal action. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is currently investigating the incident and has invited the woman for questioning.

In an interview with @JejojaFamily TV, the woman opened up about the underlying issues that led to her drastic action. She revealed that her marriage had been plagued by significant problems, which had taken a toll on her mental health.

According to the woman, the marital troubles have persisted for years, and she had previously considered destroying the passport while they were still in Europe. However, she decided against it to avoid further distress for her husband.

She addressed the public’s criticism, emphasizing that her actions were the result of prolonged suffering and emotional strain. “These issues have been ongoing for a very long time. I acted out when we arrived in Nigeria because I wanted to avoid adding more stress to my husband’s life,” she explained.

The woman urged those commenting on her actions to understand her situation before passing judgment. She noted that many of the critics do not know the full extent of her struggles. “I am not a mad woman; I have my reasons. I’ve faced many challenges, and it’s disheartening to see people reacting without understanding the context,” she said.

She also shared that her husband had been managing their social media accounts and emails, which made it difficult for her to access important documents. Her decision to tear the passport was partly driven by frustration over these issues.

“This is not about being vindictive; it’s about expressing the pain I’ve endured,” she said. “Men who have sisters or loved ones who have faced similar struggles might understand, but many others will not.”

The woman’s actions have sparked a debate about personal grievances and public responses, with many calling for a deeper examination of the circumstances that led to the incident.

Rep Ugochinyere Accuses Abuja Politicians of Orchestrating Bombing of APP Office in Rivers

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the House of Representatives member for Ideato North/South, has accused politicians in Abuja of orchestrating the recent bombing of the Action People’s Party (APP) Secretariat in Rivers State.

Ugochinyere has called for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to halt what he describes as an ongoing assault on democracy in Rivers State. He reported that the National Chairman of APP, Uchenna Nnadi, and other party members narrowly escaped death during the attack.

According to Ugochinyere, the bombing was instigated by political operatives affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, with the aim of destabilizing Rivers State.

In a statement released on Monday, Ugochinyere said, “The bombing of the APP headquarters, which had just been renovated in preparation for the upcoming Rivers LGA Election where the APP is expected to perform well, is an act of political extremism. This is the third such attack allegedly perpetrated by these Abuja operatives, who seek to render Rivers State ungovernable.”

He condemned the violence as a dangerous escalation and urged President Tinubu to act decisively. “The bombing of opposition parties’ offices represents a new low in political violence, driven by those claiming to work for the current government,” Ugochinyere stated. He warned that failure to address the issue could lead to further acts of terrorism that threaten the stability of Nigerian democracy.

Ugochinyere also called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack. He stressed that such acts could lead to increased criminality if not promptly addressed.

“Security agencies must act swiftly to apprehend those behind these attacks. These acts of terrorism are a threat to our democracy and must be met with a firm response,” he added.

The Representative also recalled a previous warning about a similar threat in Port Harcourt, which had not led to any prosecutions. He expressed concern that the recent bombing is a continuation of these efforts to undermine the APP and its growing influence in Rivers State.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Poised to Become Next Chief Justice of Nigeria

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to become the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) based on her seniority and the current judicial hierarchy. She will take over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, whose term ends on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

A valedictory service in honor of Justice Ariwoola has been scheduled for August, marking his departure from the office he has held since June 27, 2022.

If Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Ariwoola as anticipated, she will be only the second female justice to assume the role, following Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.

At 66 years old, Justice Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Supreme Court justice after Ariwoola. With 11 years of service on the apex court, she is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the position. Her appointment would also place her at the helm of the National Judicial Council (NJC), responsible for overseeing the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges across Nigeria.

Her Profile

Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980 and her LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.

Her judicial career began in private practice from 1985 to 1989, after which she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos State. In July 1996, she became a judge of the High Court of Lagos State and later served as chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Lagos.

Elevated to the Court of Appeal in September 2004, she served in various Divisions and as the presiding justice of the Makurdi and Aku Divisions. On July 8, 2013, she was sworn in as the fifth female justice of the Supreme Court.

Justice Kekere-Ekun has participated in numerous courses and seminars globally and has received several merit awards. She is also a life Bencher and a prominent member and past president of the International Association of Women Judges.

Iran’s Vice President Zarif Resigns After Just 11 Days

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif has resigned from his post only 11 days after being appointed by President Massud Pezeshkian. Zarif announced his resignation via his X account, citing dissatisfaction with his performance and his inability to meet expectations.

In his statement, Zarif highlighted disagreements over the selection of Pezeshkian’s new cabinet, noting that seven of the 19 ministerial nominees were not his preferred choices. This divergence reportedly led to his decision to step down.

Zarif’s departure adds to the challenges facing President Pezeshkian, who has been in office since late July. This period has been turbulent, marked by the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Zarif, a prominent figure in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign, was integral in securing Pezeshkian’s victory due to his popularity. He was responsible for proposing candidates that aligned with the promised reforms. However, the final list of ministers announced by Pezeshkian appeared to stray from Zarif’s vision and the intended reform agenda.

There are speculations that Iran’s hardline conservative faction may have influenced the cabinet appointments, possibly overriding Zarif’s recommendations. Zarif, who served as Iran’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2021, was also instrumental in shaping Iran’s foreign policy and negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal.

Dispute Over Cause of Fire at Redeemed Christian Church in Niger State

Authorities in Niger State are currently divided over the cause of a fire that destroyed the Zonal Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora.

State Government’s Allegation

The Niger State Government has attributed the fire to hoodlums. Aisha Wakaso, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, suggested that the fire was a deliberate act intended to create unrest and disrupt peace in the state.

Police Statement

In contrast, the Niger State Police Command has stated that the cause of the fire remains undetermined. SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the police, reported that while the fire caused significant damage to the church’s property, no lives were lost. The police have indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the blaze.

Key Points

  • State Government’s View: The state government believes the fire was an act of arson by hoodlums aiming to incite instability.
  • Police Findings: The police have not confirmed arson as the cause and are still investigating the incident.

This disagreement highlights the ongoing investigation and the uncertainty surrounding the incident’s origins.

Debate Intensifies Over Constitutional Reform: 2014 Confab Report vs. New Constitution

The call for constitutional reform in Nigeria is gaining momentum, with varying perspectives on whether to pursue a new constitution or implement the 2014 National Constitutional Conference (Confab) report.

The Patriots’ Proposal

A group of eminent persons known as The Patriots has urged President Bola Tinubu to introduce a bill for a new constitution reflecting Nigerians’ collective will. They propose forming a National Constituent Assembly, elected on a non-political basis, to draft this constitution, which would then be subject to a national referendum. However, President Tinubu has prioritized economic reforms and has promised to consider constitutional reform once economic stability is achieved.

Support for the 2014 Confab Report

Several groups and individuals argue for adopting the 2014 Confab report, citing flaws in the current 1999 Constitution:

  • PANDEF and CENTREP: They criticize the 1999 Constitution for its centralization of power and lack of true federalism. They argue that the constitution’s flaws are foundational to Nigeria’s problems and support implementing the 2014 Confab recommendations to address these issues.
  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo: While supporting the idea of a new constitution, Ohanaeze suggests that implementing the 2014 Confab report could address the country’s diverse challenges more effectively without creating a new assembly.
  • Chekwas Okorie and Yagbagi Sani: Both argue against the creation of a new constituent assembly, emphasizing the high cost and potential delays. Okorie suggests focusing on implementing the 2014 Confab report, while Sani believes the current constitution’s problems are due to its implementation rather than its content.

Diverse Opinions

  • Prof. James Aduba: Advocates for devolution of power and minor amendments to the 1999 Constitution, criticizing the need for a completely new constitution.
  • Olabode George: Calls for revisiting the 2014 Confab report rather than starting afresh. He argues that the existing report already contains comprehensive recommendations for reform.
  • Jibrin S Jibrin: Emphasizes that the issue is more about the faithful implementation of existing laws rather than creating a new constitution. He points out that systemic issues and leadership attitudes are major obstacles.
  • Dr. Samson Osagie: Believes that the primary issue is not the constitution itself but the adherence to and enforcement of laws.

Conclusion

The debate reflects deep divisions on how best to address Nigeria’s constitutional challenges. While some advocate for a fresh start with a new constitution, others argue that leveraging existing frameworks and focusing on proper implementation could be more pragmatic and cost-effective.

Group Accuses Dogara and Buba of Envy and Lack of Moral Authority to Criticize Gov Bala

The Bauchi State Youths Democratic Assembly has accused former House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and Senator Shehu Umar Buba of enviously targeting Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir due to his achievements in Bauchi State.

In a statement on Sunday, leaders Danjuma Zakka Arewa and Daure David criticized Dogara and Buba for their recent negative remarks about the Governor, suggesting that their criticisms stem from frustration with the Governor’s progress.

The group lauded Governor Mohammed for his significant contributions, including road construction, improvements in health and education sectors, and youth empowerment programs. They argued that these achievements reflect his effective leadership and commitment to the state.

In contrast, they accused Dogara of spreading falsehoods and engaging in personal attacks, questioning his understanding of governance and leadership. They criticized his tenure as Speaker for alleged inefficiency and corruption.

Senator Buba was also criticized for failing to bring impactful projects to his constituency and being out of touch with the needs of the people. The group pointed out his support for policies that would have adversely affected the populace, such as increased electricity tariffs and electronic charges.

The Bauchi State Youths Democratic Assembly expressed confidence in Governor Mohammed’s continued support from the people, dismissing Dogara and Buba’s criticisms as unfounded. They challenged both politicians to prove their popularity in the upcoming local government elections on August 17, 2024, asserting that voters will choose leaders who genuinely represent their interests.

NASENI Announces 50% Discount for CNG Conversion

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has unveiled a new initiative offering a 50% discount on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversions. This move aims to promote the adoption of CNG technology as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, in line with efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce fuel costs.

The discount applies to both private and commercial vehicles undergoing CNG conversion at NASENI facilities. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support the transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petrol and diesel.

NASENI’s CNG conversion program involves upgrading vehicles to use CNG, which is a more environmentally friendly option compared to conventional fuels. The discount is expected to make the conversion process more affordable for vehicle owners and encourage widespread adoption.

For more details on how to take advantage of this offer, interested parties can contact NASENI’s offices or visit their website for further information on the application process and eligibility criteria.