The Abia State Police Command has said that a Police Inspector, and three civilians were on Sunday July 21, 2024 killed in a gruelling gun battle between some gunmen and Police Operatives in Aba.
Two of the gunmen were, also, neutralized during the exchange of gun fire, while others were fled with bullet injuries.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Chilaka Maureen, ASP, the police authorities noted that the unknown gunmen ambushed and attacked Police Operatives on a routine patrol on Ngwa Road by Mosque street junction in the commercial hub of the State .
The gunmen operated in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle.
“Today ,July 21 2024, at about 11.28 hrs, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Aba, Abia state, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle.
“The armed men opened fire on the police personnel and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums .
“The public is assured to go about their lawful activities without fear ,as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.
“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police Station” the police stated .
According to the police statement, one Inspector, Shehu Oyibo, was the Officer killed by the attackers.
The civilian casualties are Chika Godliveth,(m), Onyebuchi Jonah,(m) a 32 year old from Item Abia state,and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ( f) 18 years old from Akwa Ibom state.
The Source reports that Sunday’s attack came less than a month a similar incident claimed the lives of two police operatives at the Opobo junction in Ogbo-Hills area of the commercial city.
The Kano State Government has expressed its readiness to conduct Local Council Polls to usher in elected officials.
This, it said, is in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the financial independence of the Third Tier of Government in the Country.
A statement issued on Sunday July 21 ,2024 ,in Kano by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Spokesperson, said the Governor made this known on Friday ,at a meeting with New Nigeria Party NNPP stakeholders held at the Africa House, Kano.
The Kano State Governor at the parley emphasised his Government’s unwavering commitment and respect for the rule of law, financial prudence, accountability and transparency in the conduct of Government affairs.
While promising that the NNPP led administration is poised to conduct free, fair and credible Local Government election, Governor Yusuf also assured opposition parties of a level playing ground .
” Our administration has allowed the previous Local Government Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to finish their tenure despite pressure from within.This is out of the respect we have for the rule of law.
“So our respect for accountability, and in consideration of the recent Supreme Court judgment, triggered our readiness to conduct council election” he said
Governor Yusuf informed that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, has already commenced preparations, for the conduct of Local Council polls.
“We will soon invite you again for the selection of our party’s candidates that will run for the office of Chairmen ,Vice Chairmen, and Councilors of the 44 local councils.
“We shall run a peaceful campaign ,with the believe that majority of Kano people will vote for the NNPP”
The Source reports that the Apex Court in the land had on Thursday, June 20, 2024 ,in a suit filed by the Federal Government, ruled to affirm the financial independence of local Councils.
The Supreme court had also declared, as illegal, the continued use of undemocratically elected officials to run the affairs of the councils among others.
The Court equally ordered the withholding of the Federal Allocation of Councils operating with unelected officials.
Even before his disastrous performance at the Presidential Election Debate with former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party, not a few Democrats had tried to nudge President Joe Biden of the United States of America, USA, into withdrawing from the November 5, 2024 Election. Not only was his age a minus, he was looking frail and weary. He was beginning to forget a number of things. He had slowed down. His voice did not carry command, the weight, associated with a President’s voice, especially, the voice of the World’s most powerful President. The conviction of his son, Hunter, by a Court did not help matters. But Biden stayed put, and at a point, said only God could stop him from the race.
Then the debate happened. And the number of people, influential democrats, including former President Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wanted him out of the race 0increased. There were unconfirmed talks that he was suffering from the early stages of Parkinson disease.
The failed assassination attempt on Trump did no good for the Biden ticket. It drew sympathy for Trump and removed quite a chunk from Biden’s sympathizers.
The last straw was the revelation that Biden had contracted COVID 19. Mild as it was said to be, quite a number of people said the 81- year old Biden has diminished health- wise to continue to be in the race.
On Sunday, July 21, President Biden dropped out of the 2024 Presidential race throwing the Democrats into confusion, mixed with relief.
Announcing his withdrawal in a post on X, Biden said: “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,”
Part of his post reads:
“My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected.
“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
Biden, as always, had the full support of his wife, First Lady, Dr
Jill Biden who reposted her husband’s statement on X with a loveheart.
As for Trumps reaction? He quipped that “Biden was not fit to run.”
In a task expected to be difficult, the Democrats faces the onerous task of picking a new candidate on the day of its Convention in August.
Biden, of course, backs his Vice President, Kamala Harris to run in his stead, but it seems unlikely the Party would pick her.
Said a close watcher of American Politics: “Replacing Biden with Harris will be a huge mistake. It will be a walk-over for Trump. If Hillary Clinton failed, how does anyone expect Harris to succeed? As civilized as America is, it is not ready for a female President.”
Biden’s Withdrawal Letter
The seismic development comes after months of speculation about Mr Biden’s age and fitness to serve another four years – amid a series of high-profile gaffes and a disastrous debate performance.
Mr Biden, 81, had previously insisted he was best placed to defeat Mr Trump in the upcoming election but had faced calls from within his own party to step aside.
A source close to the president recently admitted “we’re close to the end” after Barack Obama, the former president who picked Mr Biden as his vice-president during his two terms in office, reportedly shared his concerns about his ally’s re-election bid.
And he tested positive for COVID while on the campaign trail, with mild symptoms including “general malaise”.
Attention will now turn to who will succeed him, with the selection likely to happen at the Democratic National Convention in August.
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed the optimism that the election of Afam Osigwe, SAN, as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, will herald a golden era in the annals of the NBA.
Osigwe was on Saturday, July 20 2024, elected the 32nd National President of the umbrella body of the country’s legal practitioners.
In an online election which began at about 12 noon on Saturday, the Anambra state born-Osigwe polled 20,395 votes to defeat Tobenna Erojikwe and Chukwuka Ikwuazom who garnered 10,970 and 9,007 votes respectively.
Osigwe will be taking over from the out-going President, Yakubu Maikyau, whose two-year tenure will soon elapse.
In a statement on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Anambra State Governor lauded the choice of Osigwe as the helmsman of the NBA.
Prof Soludo noted that he is confident that Osigwe’s tenure will bring about positive changes in the trajectory of legal practice in Nigeria.
“Maxi Afam Osigwe, SAN, we look forward to a distinct and excellent leadership for the Nigeria Bar under your watch.
Like everything Anambra, I am certain that your tenure shall herald a paradigm shift that will positively disrupt legal practice in our country.
Congratulations to you learned silk” Soludo stated .
The Anambra State Governor, maintained that Osigwe’s victory, represents an eloquent testimony to his exceptional qualities as well as commitment to the promotion of the ethos of the legal profession.
Osigwe graduated in 1997 from the Law Faculty, Enugu Campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was called to the Bar in 1999. He holds two Masters Degrees in Law, LLM from the University of Jos and Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria, in collaboration with Lazarski University, Poland.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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
