BREAKING: Senate Confirms Ifeanyi Ubah’s Death

The Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death on Saturday, but did not give details. However, a source told Daily Trust that the lawmaker had flown to United Kingdom for a surgery. Ubah who until his death was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), died at the age of 53. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil. Ubah was first elected into the senate under the platform of Young People’s Party (YPP) in 2019. He was re-elected in 2023 under YPP but defected to the All Progressive Congress after. In September 2022, Ubah escaped assassination when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State. His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed. He survived as the vehicle he was riding in was bulletproof.

Senate suspends legislative activities over Rep member Adams’ death

The Senate on Tuesday, July 16, suspended all legislative activities for the day to honour the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member of the House of Representatives. Hon Adams who represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna state, reportedly died on Tuesday morning after a brief illness. He was the chairman of the House Committee on Sports. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the death of Adams during the commencement of plenary. The Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the late lawmaker and thereafter adjourned legislative activities for the day.

Former Nigerian Minister Of Interior Dies

Senator Alh. Dr. Bello Maitama Yusuf, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business, and a former minister for internal affairs and commerce, has passed away at the age of 78. Senator Yusuf, who represented the Jigawa South West constituency as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had a long and distinguished political career.  He was first elected in April 1999 and subsequently re-elected in April 2003, earning the trust and support of his constituents over the years. During his tenure as a minister, Senator Yusuf made significant contributions to the nation. As the minister for internal affairs in 1979 and the minister for commerce in 1982, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.  Notably, his efforts as the minister for commerce helped curb the influx of imported goods into Nigeria, which was greatly impacting the country’s foreign reserves. In his home state of Jigawa, Senator Yusuf was recognized and honoured with the title of “Sardaunan Dutse” in acknowledgment of his outstanding service and contributions to the state. Furthermore, he was a recipient of the prestigious national honour, the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the nation.

3m people die annually from food poisoning globally- Expert  

A food expert, and second Vice President of Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Dr Ignatius Alaka, has labeled farmers using inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, synthetic hormones to grow their crops and raise livestocks as hired assassins. Alaka said the farmers were killing consumers slowly and painfully. According to him, these farmers kill consumers of their produce gradually and painfully. This is even as he called for increased consumption of organic products. Presenting a paper titled “Food Safety, Hygiene and Adherence to Quality Organic Standard,” during a ensitization workshop on organic agriculture for rice farmers and processors in Ebonyi State recently Dr. Alaka, said research has shown over the years that these in-organic substances used in farming had very serious deleterious harmful effects, even as he revealed that globally, over 1.5 billion cases of food borne disease outbreak are reported resulting in 3 million deaths. “Organic agriculture, which is governed by strict government standards, requires that products bearing the organic label are produced without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering etc. The use of organic fertilizers to grow nutritious foods is becoming internationally acceptable in-view of its numerous health benefits. “Consumers should be aware that you are what you eat. Anyone who has ever had food poisoning can tell you it is an experience you would never wish for your enemy. To avoid this, it is important to learn about food safety guidelines pertaining to the preparation of foods. “However, there is inadequate supervision and proper monitoring by food safety officers and the enforcement of food hygiene regulation is weak. There is also the lack of training in food safety and good hygiene practices for food handlers. “Rice is one of the most important grain crops in the world. Growth in population combined with rapid urbanization has helped to fuel the demand for rice. In order to meet up with the high demand for rice, farmers have to increase their production capacity by adapting conventional means of using in-organic fertilizers and pesticides. “The way people access food is important for their safety and health. All food manufacturers have a responsibility to provide consumers with safe, wholesome foods. Safety is not an option but it is an essential part of the planning, preparation and production of foods. “The safety and quality of foods is becoming a matter of increasing concern. Information is more readily available to consumers through the mass media and they are considerably more aware of existing and potential risks from pesticides, food poisoning and a poor diet,” he warned. He said a lack of consideration of safety can result in serious threat to public health and according to him, in most countries serious penalties exist for those who contravene hygiene and food safety legislations.  He also, urged farmers to take advantage of the high demand of organic produce across the world, saying consumer demand for organic food is growing at a rate of 20 to 30 per cent annually year and that it is estimated that more than 6 out of every 10 Australian households now buy organic foods, hence Nigeria farmers must key in now and take advantage of this opportunity to grow organic rice and other crops.

Federal High Court Justice Mallong is dead

A Judge in the Federal High Court, Justice Peter Mallong, has died. Justice Mallong, who was from Plateau, was born on January 21 1963 in Yauri, Kebbi State died on Sunday after a brief illness. The Chief Registrar, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hassan Sulaiman, confirmed this to NIGERIAN ANCHOR correspondent. He said, “Hon. Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong, a judge of the Federal High Court, passed away on July 30, 2023, unexpectedly after a brief illness in Abuja. We will miss him more than words can express. “Funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public in due time.” He said, “Hon. Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong, a judge of the Federal High Court, passed away on July 30, 2023, unexpectedly after a brief illness in Abuja. We will miss him more than words can express. “Funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public in due time.”

Supreme Court Justice, Chima Centus Nweze dies @64

Supreme Court Justice Chima Centus Nweze has passed on. He died on Sunday at the age of 64. Festus Akande, the Director of Information at the Supreme Court, confirmed the news to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, whilst adding that and an official press statement will be released soon. Justice Nweze gained prominence for his dissenting judgment in 2020, which declared Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State. This decision triggered extensive debates and divided opinions among legal experts and the public. In another significant moment of his judicial career, Justice Nweze, in a three-against-two split decision, declared Ahmad Lawan, then Senate President, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the 25 February general election. These rulings underscored the profound impact of his decisions on the political landscape. Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Chima Centus Nweze had a long and distinguished career within the Nigerian legal system. In 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved his appointment to the Supreme Court upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). Justice Nweze’s demise leaves a significant void in the legal community. He was renowned for his thoughtful and meticulous approach to cases, earning respect among peers and legal scholars alike. As the nation mourns the loss of this accomplished jurist, his legacy of upholding justice and the rule of law will undoubtedly endure in Nigeria’s legal history.

2023 Hajj: 14 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has revealed that Nigeria lost 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia from the beginning of ongoing 2023 hajj operation to date. Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team made this known during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Galadima explained that seven pilgrims died before Arafat, six died during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period) and additional one person died after the Arafat. “We had six reported death at Mashair, four died in Arafat and the other two died in Mina. Already we lost seven pilgrims before Arafat and just now I have just been informed that we lost another pilgrim. This brings the total of deaths recorded to 14. “The mortality rate is similar to that of 2019,” he said. He also revealed that the medical team recorded three cases of chickenpox during the core hajj period and the affected pilgrims were immediately moved out of the area as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the disease. Galadima also disclosed that the team recorded two deliveries during the period of the hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, adding that one of the pregnant women delivered on the road, while the second one was brought to the clinic and delivered safely. He emphasised the need for a thorough pre-hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness. He also said that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should be discouraged from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat because of the stress involved. In his presentation, the NAHCON Head of Aviation, Alhaji Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transport of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begins on Tuesday, July 4. He said the policy of first in, first out would strictly be applied in the evacuation of the pilgrims back to Nigeria. He further stated that the Saudi authorities have a policy that in the first two weeks, the air carriers would not operate maximally due to the volume of traffic and a large number of aircraft involved in the evacuation of pilgrims from different countries, as well as the fact that virtually all planes will take off from one Airport, the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. He stated that in the first two weeks of the start of the transportation of pilgrims, Flynas would only utilise four of its six aircraft for the operation, adding that the other two are undergoing some checks and maintenance. Also, the Commissioner, Operations of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, said the commission had resolved to ensure that pilgrims fully obey its luggage policy during their return journey to Nigeria. He recalled that in 2022, there was a breach, but pledged that such breaches would not be tolerated this year, so as to have a seamless operation. He decried the attitude of some pilgrims, particularly the females, who go to the airport with multiple bags all in the name of hand luggage, warning that this time the situation would not be accepted. He therefore called on officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid any inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport. “The airline operators have bitterly complained about this untoward behavior of some pilgrims, which put the lives of other passengers in the aircraft at risk. This time it will not be business as usual. “And for fear of losing some valuables at the airport, the pilgrims should abide by the 32kg luggage policy, or they should avail themselves with the cargo window.”