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Tight Race: Letter from Abroad to Michelle Obama

By
The Source
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Azu Ishiekwene
Mr Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

Dear former First Lady,

You asked the question that millions outside the US have been asking for weeks if not months: Why can’t America see former President Donald Trump for who he is – a congenital liar, a narcissist, a fascist, and a demagogue?

At a campaign rally in Michigan on October 26, you criticised those holding Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to a higher standard than they have held Donald Trump despite his four chaotic years as president and his even more crooked lifestyle, long before that.

“I’ve got to ask myself,” you said,“why on Earth is the race even close?”There are a few possible answers.

Crucify immigrants

Trump and his campaign have been telling Americans precisely what they want to hear:that their problems have been caused mainly by immigrants stealing their jobs.

And that under Joe Biden’s presidency, during which his deputy, Harris, has been the “border tzar,” illegal immigration has worsened to the point where a floating sea of rotten immigrants from Puerto Rico now threatens to submerge their country. They must take their country back.

He has been telling them that their country, once the beacon of exceptionalism, has been captured by the Deep State pursuing the vindictive and narrow agenda of a few. Trump has been telling Americans that fundamental values, such as freedom of expression and public trust, are under threat. Big media, he says, has been hijacked and can no longer be trusted as arbiters of the public good.

Socialism redux and victimhood

That’s not all. Trump is telling Americans that they’re currently in danger of something worse than the nanny state. Socialism and Marxism are in resurgence, and a country known for hard work, individualism, and limited state intervention is at the risk of being overrun by modern-day cousins of the Red Army.

In case they don’t believe him, Trump is telling Americans to look at his own life, his travails, as a living example of deep-state victimhood. He has been framed, lied against, prosecuted, persecuted and shot at for nothing other than mortal fear that he might indeed be the God-send to make America great again.

And if they don’t believe him, they can look at their own lives. In his classic Trumpian way, he has reminded them that they were better off under him, with less inflation and more money in their pockets for groceries. He even said on Tuesday that the stock market was rallying on the expectation of his victory.

It’s a woke country

Trump is telling Americans – at least the conservatives –that a wave of wokeism and post-modernism on sexual orientation and preferences has seized America driving it down a depraved slope where gender pronouns will mean nothing anymore. This is the kind of thing that many evangelicals can’t say publicly but are pleased to hear amplified by Trump and his campaign.

Trump has also been discussing America’s place in the world. He has been saying the world was far more peaceful before Biden, that the war between Russia and Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, which has become a meatgrinder, were enabled by weak US leadership, epitomised by the disorderly and humiliating US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

You might argue, dear former First Lady, that Americans should know better and that the facts, for voters who care, contradict Trump on almost every count.

Killing facts

For example, there’s hardly any evidence for the anti-immigrant rhetoric of job stealing. According to a Brookings Senior Fellow, Vanda Felbab-Brown, “The impact of immigrant labour on the wages of native-born workers is low…undocumented workers often work the unpleasant, back-breaking jobs that native-born workers are not willing to do.”

Though Biden said three years ago that Harris was the most qualified to lead the administration’s efforts to manage the border with Mexico, she was never “border tzar,” as Trump has successfully branded her. It was another Trump lie. But all is fair in politics as in war.

Is the Deep State after Trump, making his life a misery for leading the Salvation Army? This claim of a deep-state offensive is at least four years old. It started with claims in 2020 that the “deep state” was slowing-walking vaccine treatment for COVID-19 so that he could lose re-election.

Scapegoating as art

Then, when he lost, he blamed the deep state for rigging him out and has doubled down on his anti-deep state rhetoric since, blaming everyone from civil servants in Washington to the FBI and the State Department for all his self-inflicted legal problems.

Dear First Lady, the race is tight because voters won’t have facts for dinner. The facts show that inflation, worsened by post-COVID-19 supply chain problems, is cooling, but voters feel poorer than before. They are clinging to the false nostalgia that Trump would bring back the old times, despite the forecast by 16 Nobel prize winners in Economics that the US economy will be worse off in a Trump second term.

Also, an inconvenient point, dear former First Lady, is that Kamala Harris is part-paying a backlash from Barack Obama’s era that your husband didn’t do enough for people of colour, especially blacks. This is a race of margins, and despite his charm and eloquence, your husband and former president has struggled to convince black male voters that Harris will serve them well.

Just as misery loves company, nothing makes greater company for voters than a scapegoat. Trump has scapegoated immigrants, the deep state, China, UK’s Labour Party, and virtually everyone in sight. And the biggest scapegoat of them all is Biden.

Unfortunately for him even the best presidents fall out of favour with voters by the end of their first term. Their achievements are often dwarfed by their flaws and demagogues whose mess they came to clean up begin to look like saints. Like Trump. That’s why the race is tight.

Double-edge sword

The false start by the Democratic Party after the catastrophic presidential debate didn’t help matters. Whatever advantage it may have conferred on Trump initially, the party lost time healing the wounds created by Biden’s preemptory removal.

Tight races are not new in US elections, but this one feels peculiarly tight because even though facts and decency suggest that it should have been a mismatch, America is being seduced by its worst self.

It’s a measure of the state of US politics today that even after the results have been announced and the winner declared, except if that winner is Trump, the former First Lady may find herself asking, why has US politics gone so low?

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It

Gov Otti Marginalizing, Humiliating Ukwa/Ngwa – APC Chieftain

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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High Chief Sylvanus Uzoma Nwaji2

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Abia State, High Chief Sylvanus Nwaji, has accused the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, of gross marginalization of Ukwa na Ngwa people.

This is just as he alleged that the Governor is now obsessed with the unwritten policy of enthroning “Aro” hegemony in the State.

The four-time Chairman of the oil rich Ukwa-west Council of the State, also, called on all the traditional rulers in Ukwa land and Community leaders to honourably resign their positions for conniving with the Abia State Government to marginalize, deprive and divide their people.

In an exclusive interview with The Source on Wednesday October,  30, 2024 ,Hon Nwaji described the recent unceremonious removal of the Vice. Chancellor of Abia State University ,Prof Onyemachi Ogbulu  as a clear evidence of Governor Otti’s resolve to marginalize and  humiliate Asa people and Ukwa-Na- Ngwa ethnic group of the State.

The Source reports that the  Abia State Government, on Monday, announced the removal of  Prof Ogbulu and others from office citing the recommendations of a visitation panel to the University as a major  reason.

But Chief Nwaji has rejected the Government’s claim that the  Vice Chancellor whose tenure will elapse next year was removed because of his conflicting interest as traditional ruler and Vice Chancellor.

“This is absolutely baseless in the sense that the Government is clutching on a non existent matter to carry out its marginalization plan against the people of Asa and Ukwa-Na- Ngwa group of the state .

“For the record, since the creation of Abia in 199, it is only in the last few years that the position of the VC was allowed to come to the Abia South Senatorial Zone.

“The removal of the VC was well orchestrated to pave way for the  enthronement of Aro hegemonic agenda in the state .

“I know what I am talking about . Everybody in the State is aware that the sacked VC was one of the best in the history of the University.

“But they have to remove him to make way for Aro person like the Governor from Old Bende Division of the State. And that was exactly what happened.

“All over the State now, what the Governor is busy doing is to be going. round the entire South East region, gathering his Aro people around Government positions in the State.

Meanwhile, this was a Governor people across all parts of the State came together irrespective of ethnic background and party affiliations to support and elect in 2023.

Even those of us from Abia South, Ukwa-Na -Ngwa people rejected our own former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to the extent he was not elected as a  Senator.

“But today, what Governor Otti is doing is to  treat  us like second class citizens of Abia State. Prof Ogbulu from Asa, in Ukwa East, in  Ukwa-Na-Ngwa land was removed  and replaced with someone from Aro in Old Bende. This has been the trend since Governor came in .

“All the talk about Prof Ogbulu being a traditional ruler, and at the same time being Vice Chancellor is just a smokescreen to validate  a clear ethnically-induced action” Nwaji stated .

Regrettably, he noted that despite Governor Otti’s clear agenda of marginalizing and humiliating the people of Asa who are the reason Abia is today answering an oil bearing State, community leaders and traditional rulers are  backing the Government in its agenda of humiliating and dividing the people.

” Over the years, the only mouth piece of the people against oppression, marginalization and deprivation, has been the Asa Development Union, ADU ,and to some extent the traditional institutions .

“As the the only oil bearing Council in the State, we have endured untold neglect, deprivation and exploitation in the hands of successive administrations, who are only interested in the 13% oil derivation from the area .

“But despite the suppression,the Community and Traditional leaders before now had managed to defend the people.

“All those seem to have gone with the present crop of Traditional Rulers and leaders of the Asa Development Union . They have regrettably become Government appendages and parastatals.

“People that are supposed to be neutral have become card carrying members and campaign coordinators of the Labour party .

“In the forthcoming so- called Local Government Polls in the State , the Traditional Rulers and Community leaders have all mortgaged their conscience and are now conniving with the Government to subvert the age- long power sharing agreement among the people..

:For conniving with Governor Otti in distablizing and creating  disharmony among our people, I am calling on the. Traditional Rulers in Ukwa West and the leadership of the Asa People to honourably resign.

“They no longer have the moral authority to be called Royal fathers of all. They have chosen to serve Governor Otti and Labour party and their newly adopted Zenith Labour Party and no longer the people.

“We don’t have any trust in them any longer. Worst of all, some of the so-called leaders, besides helping the Governor to make nonsense of the power-sharing agreement, went as far as requesting N20 million from the ZLP Candidate who the Governor picked outside the rightful group for the Chairmanship position so that they will appease the aggrieved session of the Community” Nwaji said.

Further speaking ,the former House of Representative Candidate in the 2023 elections accused  Governor Otti’s administration in the state of being deceitful and insincere in his dealings with the people.

According to him, the enthusiasm and huge expectations that heralded the election of the Governor have evaporated.

“I must confess that we are deeply regretting our choice in 2023. The reason is not far-fetched. Governor Otti has be ungrateful  to the people for the huge and unprecedented support they gave him.

“Like I said earlier in Asa, Ukwa and Ngwa land, we rejected the former Governor Ikpeazu and the PDP, because we wanted a positive change ,

“But unfortunately, the same problems are still facing our people, even at a worse level. The former Governor came to collect several hectares of our land under the guise of building Enyimba Economic City .In the end ,nothing happened.

“Now, Governor Otti has come to collect another humongous parcel of land under the guise of building Abia Industrial and Innovative Park.

“After the initial braggadocio, they have removed all the equipment they brought there. Now, what has changed between the past administration and the one headed by Governor Otti?

“The only change is that the present administration has raised  the bar in terms of financial recklessness, deceit and insincerity.

“There is nothing that is being done in Abia now without controversy.There is much more division and hatred in the State. You must be an Aro person or, at worst, old Bende to be considered for any position.

“There is so much arrogance and know-it-all in the governance space of Abia. Yet, some people that call themselves traditional  rulers, community leaders, and even some religious leaders are clapping for the all knowing Emperor”, the APC chieftain stated.

Nollywood Legend, Pa Olumo Agbako Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Charles Olumo Agbako

By Akinwale Kasali

Legendary and Veteran Nollywood Actor, Pa Charles Olumo Agbako, is gone.

Pa Olumo died at the age of 101 Years.

The President of Theatre Arts and Movies Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Global, Balaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin announced  his passing.

In a post on his Instagram page, Mr Latin wrote: “tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, goodnight father”.

The late Thespian is known for his superv interpretation of roles and his funny looks, and use of slangs in movies.

Last year, the late thespian celebrated his 100th Birthday, organized by TAMPAN Global, in which Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, pledged a N100,000 monthly Stipend for the late Actor till his death, with other incentives.

He will be sorely missed by his fans, colleagues and families.

Osun: Gov Adeleke Tasks Religious Leaders On Good Governance

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has enumerated roles of religious institutions in a democratic set up saying they should always speak truth to power, stressing the importance of constructive engagement with political leaders.

Adeleke maintained that “silence by the church and clerics generally is not an option,” adding that, “clerics must speak loud about free and fair elections, dignity of all human beings, superiority of public good over private interests, respect for the supremacy of the constitution, observance of the rule of law and equality of all citizens before the law.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed  stated that the governor gave the urge while delivering a lecture at the 7th memorial anniversary lecture in honour of the founder of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, St Moses Orimolade in Lagos State.

“As a sitting governor, I firmly believe the clerics should mount advocacy on what impedes good governance namely autocracy, dictatorship, arbitrariness, culture of impunity, self-perpetuation in office, suppression of opposition, corruption and failure to respond to aspirations of the people.

“Only a divinely guided leader can deliver on good governance, restore public faith in politics, avoid self-enrichment, resolve societal poverty, and observe the rule of law.”

Meanwhile, the governor has urged critics of his administration to accept the new dawn of good governance in Osun state

According to him, the critics are being jealous and envious of his superlative delivery and performance in the last 23 months.

According to the governor, his administration made it a point of duty to deliver on big and small service issues confronting the people of the state across the sectors, explaining that the approach combines thinking big and small at the same time in the best interest of the people.

“We are faithful to the people and our governance agenda, hence our deliveries on infrastructure, health, digital economy, agriculture, commerce and industry, climate change, education, sports and workers welfare among others. We got so much done by God and the people.

“To my critics, I empathize and sympathize with them. When somebody succeeds where you fail, you are likely to be envious and even bitter.

“That is human nature. But I encourage them to place public interest above private agenda. As for me, I have no option than to succeed.”

Ondo: IPAC, Interloper, Has No Business In Internal Affairs Of INEC – PRP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has insisted that removing or transferring officials is purely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to a vote of confidence passed by the Inter Party Advisory Committee, (IPAC) on the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs Babalola, the party maintained that the committee’s action was unnecessary.

The PRP expressed  reservations about IPAC’s involvement in matters concerning the internal affairs of the INEC officials, asserting that IPAC has overstepped its mandate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the PRP emphasized that IPAC has no business endorsing or appraising INEC officials, a role that belongs exclusively to INEC itself.

“The Ondo REC’s appointment and evaluation should remain a matter of internal affairs of INEC, free from any political party’s interference, else the official wont be deemed apolitical.”

According to Oladele Oluwasesan, Chairman of the Ondo PRP, who was not present at IPAC’s endorsement of the REC, the council indeed overstepped its boundaries.

“Individual member parties should concentrate on their campaigns for the Ondo 2024 Governorship Election.”

He called on the IPAC State Chairman to desist from using the council for cheap politicking and personal aggrandizement.

“The PRP’s focus remains firmly on grassroots outreach and campaign activities, with no time for meddling in INEC-related internal matters.”

He described IPAC’s actions as overreaching and raised concerns about IPAC’s motives, while calling for transparency and accountability in the entire process.

“IPAC should release detailed reports of the purported investigations which made the accusations raised by the protesters, baseless.

In addition, the chairman condemned calls for the arrest of peaceful protesters, stressing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right of all citizens and should not be curtailed.

He described such calls as indicative of a lack of political leadership capacity in a time when the state needs inclusivity and the voice of the opposition the most.

“We are calling on INEC’s national office to disregard IPAC’s endorsement and carry out any necessary actions based on objective assessments.

“Ondo REC should remain focus on her duties of supervising free and fair election and refuse being swayed by politically motivated endorsements.”

NANS, South West Zone, Demands Activation Of Unionism In Varsities

By
Ayodele Oni
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National Association of Nigerian Students - NANS

By Ayodele Oni

South West Zone of the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) has accused some higher institutions in the zone of frustrating unionism among the students.

The body explained that such institutions achieve this through draconian rules and oppressive decisions.

Coordinator, NANS Southwest Zone D, Owolewa Taiwo and Secretary,

Oluwole Olutunde in a statement noted that absence of functional Students’ Unions is a glaring affront to the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students.

“It has come to our attention that institutions such as Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and notably the University of Lagos (UNILAG) still lack a functional Students’ Union.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D under my leadership believes that the absence of functional Students’ Unions is a glaring affront to the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students.

“We will not stand idle as students voices are silenced and their interests neglected in this institutions.

“Having exhausted the first two C’s of Aluta in advocating for the reinstatement of the Students’ Union at these campuses, we are left with the final C: Confrontation.

“Therefore, we hereby  issue  a 14 -day ultimatum to UNILAG, OSPOLY and LAUTECH to reinstate its Students’ Union. If this demand is not met, the association will mobilize a massive protest to disrupt academic activities and bring the issue to national attention.

“This absence undermines students’ rights and limits their ability to voice and safeguard their interests.

“Should this ultimatum pass without action, We are prepared to take decisive action to protect the rights of our Students in Zone D and we will not hesitate to use all available means, including mass protests to ensure that our demands are met.

“NANS zone D reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian student has representation within their academic institutions.”

The zonal NANS leadership commended the Federal Government for introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to enhance affordable and sustainable transportation in the Southwest.

“This initiative is a vital step toward alleviating the daily challenges faced by students and citizens across our region. In addition, we recognize the government’s support of the NelFund, which offers opportunity for students to pay their bills regardless of their background.”

Kaduna Doctor, Ganiyat Popoola Freed After Spending 10months In Kidnappers Den

By
James Orji
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Kidnapped Dr Ganiyat Popoola
The Kaduna- based medical doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola kidnapped last year has regained her freedom.
The news of her release came from the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD on Thursday, October 31.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of NARD, Omoha Amobi, said the doctor has been freed from her abductors, after more than 10 months in captivity.
Dr Popoola has been reunited with her family, the statement also said.
Part of the statement, read “The president of NARD, Osundara Tope Zenith, is filled with immense joy and relief to inform you that Ganiyat Popoola, our dear colleague and resident doctor from National Eye Centre Kaduna, who was kidnapped and remained in captivity for more than ten months, has been released and reunited with her family.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in ensuring her safe return. The unwavering support, prayers, and contributions of all members and well-wishers have been invaluable in this challenging time.
“Let us continue to support one another as we work towards a safer and more secure environment for all”.
Dr Popoola and her husband were kidnapped in December 2023. Their abductors later released the husband while the kept Ganiyat, who works at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna in their den.
Recall that NARD, in August, embarked on seven days warning strike to demand Dr Popoola’s release.

Outrage Over Stoppage Of Rivers State’s Funds Allocation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

■Atiku, Odinkalu, Rhodes-Vivour lament As Militant Group threatens fire and brimstone

The ruling by a Federal High Court, Abuja, which stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other institutions from allowing the Rivers State Government access to its funds, has been greeted with outrage.

On Wednesday, October 30, the Honourable Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the CBN to stop all payments to the State. She said that the 2024 budget which Governor Siminalayi Fubara is implementing is illegal and so unconstitutional. She argued that the four-man member House of Assembly before whom the Governor presented the budget was improperly constituted, and so everything approved by them, null and void.

But a number of Nigerians have condemned the ruling and wondered if anybody considered the effect it would have on the people of the State.

Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar: Warned Judiciary not to set fire to Rivers State.

In response, former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 General Elections, warned the Judiciary not to set fire to Rivers State. Atiku noted that it is already public knowledge that Rivers State has challenged the ruling of the Court of Appeal on Rivers State Budget at the Supreme Court. Meaning that the Honourable Federal Judge erred in his judgment of Wednesday which stopped release of funds by the CBN to Rivers State.

Atiku: “Last week, the Coury of Appeal declared that the Rivers State budget was illegal because it was passed by inchoate Assembly. The Court ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the budget afresh.

“The Rivers State Government has already filed a notice of appeal so that the Supreme Court can hear the matter. However, some elements in the Bola Tinubu Administration have procured a judgement intended to undermine the Supreme Court.

“Even before the judgement was delivered, legal luminary, Femi Falana, SAN, had alerted the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tosho, of possible compromise after house gifts had been presented to Judges in Abuja. Sadly, Falana’s warning was ignored.”

Weighing in, a Professor of Law, Chidi Odinkalu, reminded Nigerians of the Supreme Court’s judgement on the seizure of funds in the case between Lagos State Government when President Tinubu was Governor, and the Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He posted: “20 years ago while @official ABAT was governor of @followlasg.@Supreme CourtNg declined an application to withhold the #Federation Account allocations to Lagos LGAs.

“Today a judge of @FederalHigh Court overruled the Supreme Court. This is not #RuleOfLaw: it is tyranny of the #Outlaw.”

In his own reaction, the Lagos State Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the 2023 Election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour posted on his X account: “Explain to me how any sane group will approach the court to deny their Allocation that will inflict untold pain on the people? At such a difficult time, how can these desperate politicians pretend not to know it’s the ordinary man that will be so badly hit by this decision? It is so painful that our country is now in the hands of a party and people whose interest supercedes that of the State. Who do not care that a a State burns as long as their vanities are met, who do not care how many companies shutdown, or how many become poor, as long as they maintain their hold on power.”

A new militant group in the Niger Delta had, a few days ago threatened to bomb oil installations in the Zone if Rivers State allocations are withheld on the orders of any Court.

Insecurity: IGP Launches School Protection Squad  In Anambra

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the growing concern over the spate of insecurity rocking most parts of Anambra State of late, the authorities of the Nigeria Police on Tuesday, October 29,2024,  informed that they have put in place security measures aimed at securing public schools in the State.

The Source reports that in the last few months, tge State has become an epicentre of terrorist attacks in the South East region. Several people have been killed and properties worth billions of naira lost .

According to the Police, the Schools Protection Squad SPS, is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, designed to provide maximum security for all public Schools in Anambra,

as well as reduce the number of security induced out-of-school children.

The IGP who was represented at a stakeholders forum on security of schools in Anambra held in Awka the State Capital, by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Godwin Aghaulor, informed that the Squad which will be headed by CP Ogunlowo, will be primarily concerned with improving security in and around public schools and educational institutions in the State.

AIG Aghaulor noted that the gathering of the stakeholders underscored the collective resolve to ensure that public schools in Anambra are secured and protected.

“The safety of, and security of our educational institutions are paramount, and it is imperative that we work together to protect and safeguard our students and educators.

“Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant role in fostering security and harmonious co-existence.

“The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has, also, embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad SPS in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers nationwide” AIG Aghaulor noted.

He further urged Community, religious, traditional and youth leaders to key into the initiative by providing support to security agencies in the task of securing the schools.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam,while acknowledging the serious security challenges facing the State, however, noted that the Command has been making bold moves towards tackling the problems .

He highlighted some of the measures to arrest the situation to include regular assessment of the security challenges,,development of contingency plans  enhancement of access control ,and surveillance system .

Others are collaboration with sister security agencies ,and regular enlightenment programmes for educators and personnel    on security protocols.

Court Ruling Stopping Allocation To Rivers, Least Of Worries – Gov Fubara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Ayodele Oni

Despite a  Court ruling stopping allocation to Rivers state, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he would continue to honour commitments to contractors and workers.

He declared that the Federal High Court’s ruling to restrict state allocations is “the least” of his worries.

The Governor spoke during a special thanksgiving service on Wednesday in Port Harcourt organized by the State Government to commemorate his administration’s resilience amidst escalating political crises.

The crises  began a year ago with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly.

Governor Fubara, who expressed his determination to forge ahead, assured attendees that, despite the Court order, his administration would continue to fulfill payments to contractors and ensure that workers receive their salaries starting tomorrow.

He confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be processed as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.

The governor urged his supporters to remain steadfast, assuring them that all challenges can be overcome.

He described the incident involving men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt.

He attributed this assault to political opponents who ambushed him after he withdrew legal challenges against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

While he expressed no regrets about his pursuit of peace, he acknowledged that his conciliatory approach may have unintentionally advantaged his opponents, who used his withdrawal to secure favorable judgments against him.

Governor Fubara emphasized that his opponents’ unwillingness to reciprocate his peace overtures has influenced his decisions against yielding to further expectations for resolving the political crisis.

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