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Taraba Govt Goes After Killers Of Monarch, Son

July 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Taraba State Government has condemned the gruesome murder of a First Class Monarch and his son in the State by gunmen.

Describing their killing as barbaric, the State Government vowed to get to the root of the incident, not minding those involved.

A statement by Zainab Usman Jalingo, Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, stated that security agents have been directed to fish out those behind the incident.

The statement reads: “The death of the Gara of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya and his Son, Yusuf has thrown us all in a sad state.

“In a tragic and unfortunate event that occurred yesterday, when the Monarch and his Son got waylaid – we condemn this barbaric act strongly and we will stop at nothing to get to the root of it – as a Government.

“Our Security Agencies have been charged to get to work and unveil the perpetrators of this wicked act. We will have these criminal elements arrested and made to face the law, soonest.

“The Government of Taraba State sympathize with the people of Chanchanji and Takum at this difficult time.

“This is sad news as we challenge those who are working round the clock to destabilize our dear State; they won’t succeed and we will continue to do our best in protecting Lives and property.

“Criminals and Terrorists don’t have a safe haven in our State, they have never had any space for their activities and we will continue to work on ways to make Taraba State a safe place for everyone.

“It is a difficult time for the family of HRH Tanimu Kunbiya – and we pray for the souls of the departed to rest with God while praying for the family, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

CISLAC Criticizes Senate For Silencing Ndume’s Voice

Akinwale Kasali

July 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Society Group, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has lashed the Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio-led Senate for sanctioning Senator Ali Ndume.

The Senator was ordered to be removed as the Senate Chief Whip by the All Progressives Congress, APC, for expressing concerns over the suffering in the land which has reduced millions of Nigerians to a status of anger and hunger.

CISLAC condemned Ndume’s sack as the Chief Whip of the Senate and said it amounted to silencing the voice of dissenting Senators.

The Executive Director, CISLAC, Awual Rafsanjani, in a statement pointed out that Ndume played a significant role in the formation of the current Senate leadership and his contributions to governance.

According to him, unless a senator violates Senate rules, or the constitution, his or her removal is a clear sycophancy and undermines the Senate’s credibility as an independent body.

He Ndume to be sack as Chief Whip under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, was uncalled for and accused the Senate of stifling dissent and undermining democratic representation.

He further criticized the character and integrity of the Senate’s current leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds undermine democratic principles and threaten free speech and democratic consolidation.

He said: “The Senate’s actions undermine the constitutional role of its members as representatives of the people at the highest levels of government.

“By restricting Senators from expressing National concerns, the Senate risks eroding its mandate and weakening the Legislature as an independent arm of government.

“They have silenced, intimidated, and harassed opposition senators, forcing them to keep quiet. This is not democratic, and it’s not acceptable.

“There must be room for opposition in the Senate. Democracy only flourishes where a thriving opposition exists. The opposition parties have been silenced, and this should not be tolerated.

“The Senators are there to represent the people. If the people are not happy with the way the country is run, then there’s a crisis. Nigerians need to have a vibrant Senate that speaks for its people.

“The Legislators are being forced to keep quiet while Nigerians are bleeding, hungry, and dying.

“Meanwhile, they are just sitting and collecting bogus salaries.

“They are supposed to be doing serious work. The Senate is not a chieftaincy position; it’s a serious role that requires them to connect with the people, speak with the people, and voice their demands.

“All the other senators shouldn’t just keep quiet in times like this. The Senate has various parties—APC, PDP, LP, and APGA—and they are all quiet when they are supposed to hold the central government accountable.

“They are supposed to checkmate the excesses of the other arms of government irrespective of party loyalty.

“You should not keep quiet as a legislator; you’re only undermining democracy if you do. Being loyal to the party does not mean you should be quiet when people are kidnapped, killed, and hungry.

“It’s an anti-people action to stay silent when the country is not going well. You should not just keep quiet when the country is in hard times, and this is not acceptable.

“In silencing dissent and marginalizing outspoken senators like Ndume and Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the Senate risks rendering itself irrelevant. Rather than penalizing Senator Ndume for advocating on behalf of Nigerians, his contributions should be acknowledged and respected”, CISLAC said.

Youth Group Asks FG, Gov Aiyedatiwa To Tackle Insecurity In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

July 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) has expressed concern over the escalating insecurity in the State.

The group expressed worry over alarming rise in kidnapping incidents especially in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

A youth corper and four other passengers were kidnapped in the area while the driver and a female passenger were shot death, among series of abduction in the area of recent.

A statement on Sunday by spokesman of the youth group Olusa Christopher noted that “This once serene town has become a hotspot for criminal activities, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of its residents. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who have endured unimaginable suffering.

“We recall the tragic event of November 26, 2020, when the late Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen while returning from a Council of Obas meeting in Akure.

“This heinous act not only left Ifon without its traditional ruler but also marked the beginning of a series of violent attacks and kidnappings. The once-thriving town is now plagued by fear and insecurity, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

“The recent surge in kidnappings, including the abduction of farmers, travelers, and even a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, underscores the urgent need for action.

“Families are being torn apart, and the economic activities that once flourished in Ifon are now at a standstill. The incident involving the former Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bola Adelegbe, who remains missing despite a ransom payment, highlights the gravity of the situation.

“Adding to this distress, there have been disturbing reports of attacks on Amotekun operatives, the state’s security outfit. These attacks not only undermine the security framework but also embolden the criminals, leaving our communities even more vulnerable.

“The bravery and dedication of these operatives should be met with robust support and protection from the government.

“We demand immediate action from the state and federal governments to address this crisis. The deployment of a joint task force comprising the Nigerian Police Force’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Amotekun Corps, and the Nigerian Army is essential.

“Additionally, investing in technological solutions such as surveillance drones will provide a modern approach to combating these crimes.”

“We urge Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and his administration to prioritize the safety and security of Ondo State. The lack of government intervention has left communities like Ifon vulnerable and desperate.

“The implementation of a special security committee dedicated to resolving this issue is crucial. The government must ensure the immediate release of all kidnapped individuals and take decisive steps to prevent future incidents.”

Lagos Billionaire Kidnap: Operational Vehicles Allegedly Belong To Nollywood Actor

Akinwale Kasali

July 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Investigation has revealed that Port Harcourt-based Nollywood Actor, Ode, who was killed alongside Six kidnappers that terrorized Lagos State and its environs, was the owner of the Operational Vehicles used by the kidnappers to perpetuate their nefarious activities.

Ode, who was a Nollywood Actor and Producer based in Port Harcourt, was killed during the encounter with Police.

However, for weeks, scepticism continued to linger whether he was actually the person killed or not. But that has now been laid to rest as it has been authoritatively confirmed that the actor and producer was one of the billionaire- kidnappers killed by Police Detectives from the Commissioner of Police Special Squad in the Ladipo area of Lagos.

The Police had been making frantic efforts and carrying out both discreet electronic and intelligence investigations to identify the nine kidnappers they confronted at the popular Ladipo auto spare parts market where they came to kidnap a wealthy businessman.

It was gathered that they continued further investigations after recovering four mobile phones from the pockets of the dead kidnappers and other vital and personal items.

Police sources said the first shocking discovery made by detectives was that the two vehicles used by the kidnappers – a Lexus 350 Jeep, and 4 Runner Jeep belonged to the Actor.

The vehicles that were discovered to be their operational vehicles were duly registered in his name.

Conversely, the two mobile telephones they used for operations were also registered in the name of the actor but with pictures of two yet-to-be-identified young men, and fake addresses.

Sources said that apart from that, every other information in the documentary information detectives got was in his name.

According to Sunday Vanguard, while detectives are working hard to unravel the true identities of the remaining members of the gang killed during the encounter, their efforts are paying off as they have been able to discover that one of them is a twin and they lived together in one of the suburbs of Lagos.

Sources said the twin brother fled from their residence after he learned of the fate that befell his brother.

Police investigation revealed that someone who knew the twins, was also able to identify five of the killed kidnappers.

The Whatsapp User had written: “Yesterday was a very revealing and eye-opening day for me. Five of these kidnap- gangsters were identified, and the shocking part is that two of them live in my immediate environs, and I know them from a particular bar I frequent in my area. I was showing the owner of the bar the gruesome videos and pictures, and she suddenly screamed out aloud. She pointed to the picture and shouted.

“Don’t I know these guys? But the bloodied faces did not make me recognize them. She proceeded to unlock her phone and showed me pictures of the guys in fresh clothes when they attended her birthday on the 27th of June. I was also at the birthday and my brain just immediately rewound, and I recollected them spraying her mint notes of N500 denominations and remembered their table that was doused with very expensive liquor. They were the ‘Dorime’ masters of that night.”

It was further gathered that one of the fleeing members of the gang was traced to a popular city in the North, and efforts are in top gear to arrest him.

This is just as another of their popular rendezvous in Lagos has been discovered and detectives are keeping close watch over activities going on there to identify more of their gang members and arrest them.

Already, the owner of one of the popular beer parlours which the kidnappers reportedly frequent, is in the police net and has given useful information to the police.

Furthermore, it was gathered that the kidnappers were able to escape the Police searchlight for that long because they were always fully fitted with military uniforms and other accoutrements, which gave them easy passage at Police checkpoints. The camouflage uniforms were among the items recovered in their cars after their encounter with the Police at Ladipo.

NANS Pleads For Integration Of ND Part Time Graduates To NYSC

Ayodele Oni

July 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has decried the practice whereby National Youths Service Corps, (NYSC) prevent Higher National Diploma, (HND) holders who passed through part-time during their National Diploma, (ND) to serve their fatherland.

NANS pointed out that students that completed their ND programmes under the Daily Part-Time (DPP) mode and subsequently enrolled in full-time HND programmes are being denied the opportunity to participate in the mandatory one year service by the NYSC.

NANS, in a statement by its Senate President, Afeez Babatunde Akinteye, stated that the affected students are being denied NYSC registration due to the “(P)” designation attached to their JAMB registration numbers, which signifies their part-time status during the ND programme.

The association appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently intervene in the matter and direct the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and NYSC to collaborate and find a swift resolution to the problem.

“We wish to bring urgent attention to a critical issue affecting students who completed their National Diploma (ND) programs under the Daily Part-Time (DPP) mode and subsequently enrolled in full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) programs.

“These students are being denied NYSC registration due to the “(P)” designation attached to their JAMB registration numbers, which signifies their part-time status during the ND program.

“This problem has arisen despite these students having completed the required JAMB regularization process.

“The “(P)” designation, which is a remnant of their part-time ND status, is causing the NYSC portal to reject their registration, thereby preventing them from participating in the mandatory national service.

“This has caused significant distress and uncertainty among the affected students, who have otherwise fulfilled all necessary criteria for NYSC registration.

“We appeal to the Ministry of Education to urgently intervene in this matter. It is imperative that directives be given to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and NYSC to collaborate and find a swift resolution.

“Specifically, we request that JAMB initiate a consolidation process to update the registration status of these students, reflecting their transition from Daily Part-Time ND to full-time HND. This update will ensure that their JAMB registration numbers are accepted by the NYSC portal.

“Furthermore, we call on the Ministry of Education to instruct the NYSC to recognize the unique situation of these students and facilitate their registration.

“This can be achieved by overriding the system’s rejection of the “(P)” designation for students who have progressed to full-time HND programs.

“Ensuring that these students are not unfairly excluded from the NYSC program is crucial for their academic and professional futures.

“NANS stands in solidarity with the affected students and will continue to advocate on their behalf until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.

“We urge the Ministry of Education to act promptly to address this critical issue and ensure a just outcome for all affected students.”

Zamfara: “APC Dancing On Graves Of Victims Of Insecurity” – Group Laments

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 21, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Contrary to its posture and claims that the Governor Dauda Lawal-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has not done much to stem the tide of insecurity, the Concerned Patriotic Citizens Forum CPCF has insisted that the blame for the wanton killings, kidnappings, banditry and other violent criminal activities ravaging Zamfara should be domiciled at the door steps of the past All Progressive Congress, APC, leaderships in the Zamfara State.

The Group noted that APC’s futile attempt at blaming the insecurity in the troubled State on the Governor amounts to mocking several hundreds of victims of the APC induced carnage in the State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July, 21,2024, by its President, Comrade Moses Toro, CPCF emphasised that the present unmitigated insecurity in the State was ignited and nurtured by past APC administrations.

According to the group, if APC must indulge in any blame game over the unfortunate security situation in Zamfara ,it should heap it on itself as the known architect.

“The Concerned Patriotic Citizens Forum, CPCF expects the APC to be remorseful, rather than play politics with the insecurity it created .

“The party is hereby advised to desist from politicizing the plight of the victims of the insecurity it created.

“We consider the statement by APC as an attempt to mock the dead and families of those who have lost their loved ones to the insecurity inflicted on the North West in general and Zamfara state in particular.

“Therefore those who brought about the killings. and the mess Governor Lawal is trying to clean up cannot turn around to mock Zamfarans and the rest of Nigerians simply because they have been rejected by the electorate”, CPCF noted.

The Source reports that the group’s response is coming on the heels of APC’s scathing criticisms of the alleged non-challant attitude of Governor Lawal towards tackling the serious security challenges posed to Zamfara by the criminal activities of banditry and other criminal elements.

At the weekend ,the APC berated the state Governor for partying in Enugu, together with his PDP colleagues while bandits and other criminal elements were having a field day at home.

The party insisted that the ugly security situation has continued to fester on account of lack of seriousness on the part of Governor Lawal.

The APC, particularly, chided the State Governor for his penchant for residing more in Abuja and abroad, while abandoning his primary duty of securing lives and property of the residents.

But the CPCF has maintained that under past APC administrations, Zamfara nosedived from its position as one of the most peaceful States to that of most terrorized in the North West region of Nigerian.

“A report showed that 327 people were killed in Zamfara State in the first quarter of 2022 alone. This was during the APC administration in the State.

“During the same regime, two Local Governments in Zamfara State, Anka, and Bukkuyum, were shutdown by the State Government due to insecurity.

“Contrary to the APC claim that Governor Lawal has done nothing but celebrate in Enugu amidst insecurity in Zamfara state, the Governor has done more in tackling insecurity in just one year in office than the past APC in eight years”, CPCF insisted

Northern Forum of ASCSN Insists Innocent Audu Remains Expelled As National President

Ayodele Oni

July 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Northern Forum of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, (ASCSN) has vowed not to recognize Innocent Bola Audu as National President of the Association.

To this end, the Forum said it backed the appeal against the National Industrial Court (NIC) Abuja Judgment which ordered his reinstatement as the President of the Association to serve out his tenure which ends on 29th July, 2024.

The Forum revealed that the association has appealed against the Judgment to the Court of Appeal in appeal No.CA/ABJ/CV/780/2024 and has also filed a motion for Order of Stay of Execution of the Judgment.

A statement by Shehu Mohammed Zonal Chairman and Anthonia Pamson, Zonal Secretary, stated that the Northern Forum commended the proactive efforts of the National Leadership of the Union for the prompt steps taken, describing the NIC judgement “as incoherent and totally unacceptable.”

“We also reiterate our earlier position that all the Branch/Chapter Chairmen and the State Secretaries from the Zone are part and parcel of the decision to suspend and expel Innocent Bola Audu from the Union based on his anti-Union activities and so, the Zone still stands on that decision.

“The unlawful and meaningless termination of the Legal services of the Union’s Legal Counsels; Johnson Esezoobo Esq. and Albert Igeh Esq. by former president completely negates the provision of the constitution of the Association, which vested such powers on the Central Working Committee (CWC).

“Even when he was the National President of the Association this power was not vested on him.

“His blatant action clearly shows that he has completely lost touch with the constitution of the Association, or ignorant of the rules and modus operandi of the Association.

“To support our position, the duties of the National President were clearly listed in Rule 14 of the Constitution of the Association, therefore hiring and firing is not part of it.

“However, the Zone unequivocally condemns the attempt by Innocent Bola Audu to take laws into his hands by invading the National Secretariat Annex in Abuja with thugs and other criminals who are not members of the union.

“Such action does not represent the character and conduct of a Senior Civil Servant, it is heinous and condemnable.

“Finally, the Forum reaffirms that Innocent Bola Audu remains expelled from the Association, and any attempt to parade himself as the National President is unanimously rejected by the zone and a legal action will be taking against him, therefore he should wait for the determination of the case at the Appeal court.”

“It Is Not Compulsory For INEC To Monitor Political Parties’ Convention” – LP Replies INEC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 21, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Leadership of the Labour Party, LP, has insisted that its Nnewi Convention on March 27, 2024, remains legitimate and legal.

This is even as it noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not rejected the outcome of the said Convention.

According to the Party, it is not compulsory that the Electoral body must monitor the convention of the party as widely being perceived.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 20, by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP maintained that what is paramount is that it met the requirement of informing the Electoral Umpire about the conduct of the said Convention within the legally stipulated time frame of 21 days.

The LP’s reaction is coming on the heels of the recent position of INEC that it never monitored the Nnewi Convention where the Julius Abure-led LP NWC was re-elected into office.

In a letter dated July 18 2024, and signed by its Acting National Secretary Haliru Aminu, INEC, in response to a request by the LP to be availed of a Certified True Copy CTC of both its report on the said Convention and the party’s Constitution pointedly noted that it never monitored the exercise.

“The Commission has received your request for a Certified True Copy CTC of the monitored report of the Labour Party Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, held on the 27th day of March 2024, and the Labour Party’s Constitution .

“The Certified True Copy of the Labour Party Constitution has been forwarded to your firm earlier.

“Regrettably, the Commission did not monitor the Labour Party Convention of 27th March 2024 and cannot, therefore, report on the Convention”, the INEC’sletter stated.

But in its statement, the LP distanced itself from the said letter of request for the CTC of the monitored report of the Convention and the Constitution, insisting that it is the handiwork of those it described as meddlesome interlopers.

The LP statement captioned: INEC Did Not Reject Labour Party’s Convention reads:

“Our attention has been drawn to a reply by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to some meddlesome Interlopers, who are not members of the Labour Party, seeking for the Certify True Copy of our national convention, wherein INEC stated that it did not monitor our March 27, 2024 convention hence it cannot grant their request.

“There is certainly no contradiction about the statement from INEC or the position of INEC to chose either or not to attend conventions of any political party. However, political parties are mandated to officially inform the INEC at least, three weeks of its intention to conduct the national convention.

“The Labour Party in compliance to the “Electoral Act of 2022” did notify INEC of its intention to conduct its national convention on the 27th of March 2024, first on December 4th, 2023 (more than 3 months). This was followed by two other notices of change of venue which the party adequately notified the Commission and were acknowledged

“Also the Article 82 (2) of the electoral Act states “The Commission may, with or without prior notice to the political party attend and observe any convention, congress, conference or meeting which is convened by a political party for the purpose of (a) electing members of its executive committees or other governing bodies.”

“Therefore, it was not mandatory that INEC must be present during the internal party exercise. So, INEC’s inability to monitor the convention did not in anyway invalidate the internal party activity. INEC has also continued to respect the laws of the land despite pressure from certain quarters to compromise its civic responsibility.

“At no time did INEC said it has rejected the outcome of the convention of the Labour Party. We have since moved on from the very successful convention, and activities in the party have frenzied with huge membership drive and other political events.

“We, therefore, assure our members and party supporters to ignore the twist in some sections of the media, funded by some discredited former members of the party. Labour Party is safe and is in good hands”

An Honest Advice For Igbo Across Nigeria Especially Lagos

The Source

July 21, 2024

By Joe Igbokwe

I am the leader of Ndigbo in APC Lagos. I have lived in Lagos for more than 40 yrs and I understand Lagos dynamics and politics very well. I know what I went through and what I experienced during the #Endsars protest in Lagos in October 2020 which opened a can of worms that shook the long existing cordial relationship and understanding between Igbo and the owners of Lagos.

The Endsars bandits are gathering again and this time we see hands of Labour Party followers everywhere. They are yet to come to terms with the colossal loss of 2023 Presidential Elections . They are still bitter to the marrows. They are not done yet. They are gathering again. They are networking again. They are spitting fire and brimstone once again. But dynamics have changed. It is not business as usual. But please know this and have inner peace: 2020 is not 2024. I will not speak further. Read my lips.

A lot lessons were learnt by the leaders of Lagos and they said and I witnessed it with my own two eyes that NEVER AGAIN will they allow any group of people or protesters to play the unfortunate October 2020 game in Lagos that led massive destruction of the economic nerve center and the pride of Nigeria.

The destructive Messages that were issued to them by their leader is still with the Lagos State Government.

I am speaking as an insider who has seen it all and let me say this: If you are one of those bandits trying to stage a comeback to test the will Lagos leaders and finish the unfinished business of destroying Lagos, I fear for you.

Please in the name of whatever you believe in leave Lagos in your own interest. Read my lips and learn. You do not tell a deaf and dumb man that war has started. If he sees others running he will run also. History has shown the men have not learnt anything from history.

Eneke the bird says since men have learnt to shoot without missing it has learnt to fly without perching. In the same vein since Lagos has learnt to shoot without missing it is wise for inhabitants in Lagos to take precautionary measures and secure themselves.

Woe betide any group of people or persons who want confront the ugly history again in Lagos . It will be better if such people were not born. History has shown that men have not learnt anything from history. Only fools do not learn from history. I can take a horse to the river but I cannot force it to drink.

Former CP Lagos retired AIG Odumosu (Tango One) says: “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING” Let history be my witness.

Igbokwe, an APC chieftain, writes from Lagos

Onanuga And The Surprise From Joe Igbokwe

The Source

July 21, 2024

By Valentine Obienyem

Yesterday, Mr. Bayo Onanuga claimed that Mr. Peter Obi was behind the planned protest. My joy upon hearing this was that it did not come from Chief . Joe Igbokwe. Ordinarily, he would have loved to break such news as a way of reassuring them of his continued loyalty.

On the surface, Bayo is a great journalist when measured by his long-standing visibility in the field. However, the wise ones tell us that a man’s greatness is ideally judged by how he reacts in the little moments of his life. Bayo has continually shown us that he was overrated all along. He is becoming a victim of his own undoing. They now make us view with misgiving those who pretend to be democrats.

Come to think of it, why would Obi plan a protest? Show me any of his speeches or releases where Obi calls out anyone by name. He consistently addresses issues and offers advice.

Linking him to any planned protest is an attempt to divert attention from the real issues. They are simply revealing the secret of their guild: seeking to stop Obi at all costs. Who in Nigeria today does not know that there is hunger in the land? As it is said, “a hungry man is an angry man.” If you do not desire unrest, fight the enemy of the people—hunger—and leave Obi alone.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, wrote from Awka

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