Headlines
Environmental Pollution: FCT establishes more courts for effective trial of offenders
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says it has established 13 extra mobile courts for mass trial of defaulters in the FCT.
Mr Braimah Osilama, Director of the board, said this in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of the AEPB, Mrs Janet Peni, on Thursday in Abuja.
Osilama said that the mobile courts were initially eight in number but have been increased to 13, adding that the essence of the establishment of the courts was to enhance the trail of any defaulter as another round of mass trial of defaulters of waste service charges commenced in the various mobile courts established.
In his words, “The need to deal with several cases in a relatively shorter period of time has prompted the increase in the number of the mobile courts from eight to 13, as approved by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr Olusade Adesola, to enable us to deal with more cases at every given time.”
Osilama said that apart from revenue drive, they are using the mobile courts to deal with all forms of environmental violations.
“Residences and individuals without waste bins or the required waste bin type or size will be charged to court. We cannot keep the city clean without appropriate containerisation of wastes,” he said.
Osilama highlighted other environmental violations such as failure to construct required toilets, damaged toilets, and connection of stormwater to the street.
He said that such situations that violate environmental laws are also being addressed by the board, especially noise pollution.
The director, who decried the high increase of noise pollution in the FCT, said that the board had received numerous complaints from residents who can no longer bear the noise.
“We have received numerous complaints from various residents who cannot sleep in their houses because of noise emanating from parks, gardens and nightclubs.
“Night club owners have been told to soundproof their buildings, as those who violate the acceptable decibels required in the city will be charged to court,” he warned.
Osilama said that the courts are the available alternatives designed to recover revenue for services being rendered by the board.
He called on the residents to always pay their utility bills to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, adding that the board is committed to prosecuting any offender.
He noted that the permanent secretary has been having a series of meetings with some software companies with the aim of developing appropriate billing software and handling a comprehensive enumeration of property in the territory.
“Hopefully, before the end of this year, most of the gaps such as inaccurate billing, double billing and payments not reflecting, will be plugged.
“That is when we have the required software to handle the situation,” he said.
The statement also quoted the Head, Legal Unit of AEPB, Mrs Cecilia Makoji, as saying, that in the ongoing court sitting so far, about 3,900 summonses have been served.
“Of this number, about 1,200 full payments have been made so far, and 1,100 part payments made, while about 1,600 seal up orders have been given,” she said.
(NAN)
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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