Home Blog Page 1056

“We Shall Effect Release Of Kebbi Abducted District Head, 9 Others” – Kebbi Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
District Head of Kanya - Alhaji Aliyu Isah Kanya

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi state Government has vowed to do all within its powers to rescue the abducted District Head of Kanya, Alhaji Aliyu Isah Kanya.

The Traditional Ruler, along side nine other victims, was kidnapped in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of the State by suspected banditry elements.

The Source reports that the abduction is coming just when the dust raised by the kidnap and subsequent killing of Isah Bawa Abdullahi the late District Head of Sabon Gobor in neighbouring Sokoto State is yet to settle.

The late Traditional Ruler was  in July, abducted together with his son on their way from Sokoto town to his domain.

While his son was freed after the payment of about N60 million ransom,the District Head was killed by the abductors following the inability of all concerned ,including the Sokoto State Government, to pay the heavy bounty placed on his head.

In a statement issued on Monday October 7, 2024, Ahmed Idris quoted Governor Nasir Idris as also describing the development as sad and unfortunate.

According to the statement,the State Governor, while expressing deep concern over the abduction, however, assured that Government will work in concert with security agencies and other relevant entities to ensure that the District Head and others are rescued unhurt.

Governor Idris also assured the families, relations and friends of the victims of Government’s commitment towards securing their freedom.

However ,the Governor appealed to the people to volunteer credible intelligence that could lead to the release of the victims.

“I Knelt Down Many Times (For Wike) To Beg” – Gov Fubara

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

  • I don’t owe Wike, fulfilled all agreements with him. ●There is nothing I have not done for peace ●Wike should let go

The Governor of Rivers State,  Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented the havoc wreaked on some Local Government Councils Area Headquarters in the State.

Following the conduct of the Local Government Elections on Saturday, October 5. and the swearing-in of the winners – Chairmen – on Sunday, October 6, 2024, by Fubara, the new officers who went to resume on Monday were met with mayhem.

Protesters, made up of those opposed to the election, mainly factions of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, invaded some Council Headquarters and set them on fire. The Local Councils which Headquarters were razed include Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohuo, Degema, among others.

The arsonists, in some LGA’s, were led by known politicians, including, at least, a member of the House of Assembly loyal to  Wike and a former Chairman of a Local Government Area.

In the case of  Ikwerre LGA, the Governor pointed out that the former Chairman had just built the buildings they burnt down. He said they were his (the former Chairman’s) legacy project. Fubara then asked: “How can you lead people to destroy what you built? Why go this low?”

Speaking on the hell which literally engulfed the State, Fubara expressed shock  at the level people could descend to destroy the State.

Fubara spoke to Channel Television’s Seun Okinbaloye Monday night on the crisis.

On why the relationship between him and his immediate predecessor, political godfather, and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike  went sour, he said it was not something he would want to discuss but attributed it to “power.”  He said he did not  fail to keep any of the agreements both of them reached. He said he kept to all the agreements they had.

Fubara also revealed that there was nothing he had not done in order to smoothen his relationship with Wike, who he still referred to in the interview as “my oga”. The efforts he made, Fubara revealed, included kneeling down for Wike a number of times just for peace to reign.

But he added: “I am not a coward. I know what to do. But I will not because I want peace in the State. I want progress in Rivers State. The only thing I can tell the former Governor if I see him is “to let go”.

Battle Against Smuggling Activities, Nigeria Customs Acquires Surveillance Aircraft

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Customs Acquires Surveillance Aircraft

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In its determined efforts to combat smuggling activities, particularly, at Nigeria’s borders, the Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday, October 6, 2024, announced the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan Jet .

The Service said the aircraft will aid its surveillance and operational activities with a view to enhancing efficiency.

A statement issued by the NCS National spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada , qouted the Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as  describing the acquisition as a game changer for the air component of the Service.

The CGC stated that the aircraft is fitted with modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, which will facilitate operations under day, night and low visibility conditions.

“This aircraft will be a game changer for the Nigeria Customs Service Air wing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.

“The Cessna Grand Caravan will play a crucial role in air patrols aimed at detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations.

“With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities, but also provide quick extraction support when necessary” the CGC noted .

The CGC expressed the hope that the new aircraft will provide  significant tactical advantages to the NCS ,tightening border security and ,sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is all out to fight smuggling activities.

According to Adeniyi ,the aircraft will, in addition, serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hanger Service LTD,  offering logistical support and revenue generation services.

The CGC emphasized the cost effectiveness of the new aircraft, noting that its operational costs are relatively low in comparison to others in the same class.

“This is a long term investment for the Service that not only enhances our operational efficiency, but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programmes” CGC Adeniyi stated.

The statement further noted that the aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA is set to enhance the Service’s air patrol and surveillance efforts, as it globally reputed for its rugged versatility, short-field take off and landing capabilities .

Captain Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator, also commended the acquisition, describing it as a milestone for the NCS .

He expressed the optimism, that the aircraft will serve to bolster NCS air border  patrol activities, thereby effectively securing the country’s borders ,as well as improve revenue generation.

VDM Alleges Bobrisky Said He Paid SAN N5m Upfront To Push For Pardon

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
VeryDarkMan - VDM and Bobrisky

By Akinwale Kasali

Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye,  popularly known as Bobrisky, allegedly claimed in a newly released audio record by Martins Otse, popular as VeryDarkMan, that he paid the sum of N5 million, in advance, to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, to lobby for a Presidential pardon for him, Bobrisky.

Bobrisky was jailed for six months without an option of fine by a Federal High Court, Lagos, for the abuse of the Nigerian Currency, the Naira.

He was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and was released after he served out his jail term.

However, scandal has dogged both the conviction and the jail term served by Bobrisky.

In a leaked video by VDM,  Bobrisky, allegedly, told a friend of his the following:

That he paid the sum of N15 million to unnamed EFCC officials to drop the money laundry charges against him; that he did not serve his jail term in a prison cell but in an apartment arranged for him by an unnamed godfather of his who spoke to the Controller General of Prisons; that Folarin Falana, popular as Falz, musician-son of Senior Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, was arranging for his father to arrange a Presidential pardon for him, Bobrisky, for the sum of N10 million.

Outrage greeted the allegations. Bobrisky denies  saying any such things to anybody. He says the audio is fake, a product of Artificial Intelligence; Falana is suing VDM; he and his son deny any such discussions with Bobrisky, the EFCC is investigating its officials to ascertain the truth; the Federal Government has instituted a  Committee to investigate; the Board of NCoS has suspended two of its officials pending investigation.

However, again, VDM has raised the ante higher than before by making more allegations.

In a newly leaked tape by VDM Bobrisky allegedly said he  made a payment of N5 million, upfront, in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon as a convict.

VDM stated that the audio recording took place on May 16, 2024.

In the voice note, Bobrisky, allegedly, shared that his godfather had stepped in to assist by paying the initial N5 million to a SAN.

However,  he admitted that he couldn’t request more financial help since his godfather had already provided him with a well-furnished apartment near the prison.

Bobrisky also, allegedly, cleared up speculation surrounding his incarceration, confirming that he was not in prison as many had believed.

He admitted, “Truth be told, I won’t lie to you, you’re my person. I’m not in prison, but I’m around there. They got me an apartment because of my godfather. My godfather was able to say, ‘Never, you will not smell that prison.’

“Let the world think that, but you will never.” “So, he was able to talk to the Deputy Controller in Nigeria and he said that as long as Bob is not posting or saying anything, they can put me close to the place so I can always come inside and see people, and welcome my family. Nobody needs to know.”

Bobrisky, allegedly, added, “I’m supposed to finish my sentence by July, but if we get the amnesty, I could leave by the first week of next month. The SAN asked for N10 million, which I could have transferred, but my account is frozen. My godfather gave me N5 million and we sent it to the SAN two weeks ago. He has already submitted the pardon request.”

Anambra: Police Foil Abduction Of Foreign National, Recover Four Dead Victims Of Cult Clash

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command has announced it   foiled the abduction of  a foreign national in Ogbunka area of the State.

This is just as the Command informed that it also recovered the dead bodies of four victims of suspected cult clashes in Umuka, Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.

A statement on Monday October 7, 2024, by the Anambra Police Command’s Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, said gallant police operatives engaged in a grueling gun duel with the abductors and subsequently rescued the victim .

“Unfortunately,during the gun duel two police operatives who rescued the foreigner were hit by bullets.

They are stable and currently receiving treatment in a hospital,while operations are ongoing in the area for the possible arrest of the armed men” Ikenga stated.

The Command’s Spokesman blamed the kidnap attempt on suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

According to the Police Statement, Operatives attached to the Nimo Police formation on Sunday, October 6, were alerted to a suspected cult clash in Umuka, Nawfia, at 8 30 pm.

“The operatives, upon arrival at the scene, found four lifeless bodies of young men in a pool of blood with with suspected multiple gunshot injuries lying on the road .

“The victims were later confirmed dead by a doctor on duty and have been deposited in the morgue.

“They were later identified as: Ebuka Nwankwube Ekenta of Mmimi Village Nawfia ,Nnatuanya Junior a.k.a.Starboy of Mmimi village Nawfia ,Aniemena a.k.a.Osama of Umariam Village and one Ahmed Auwal.

“Witnesses and some Villagers revealed that the victims were known for their nefarious activities and were always in rivalry with another cult group in the area,” the police noted.

The Police further stated that concerted efforts are underway by the operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad  in the state to get to the root of the development.

The police in the statement, also, informed  about the gruesome killings of  17 year old Chinasa by suspected ritualists in Omasi Community.

The lifeless body of the young girl was discovered in a bush in the Community on October 6, 2024, at about 4.25 pm the Police said .

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Obono Itam, has ordered for an immediate and thorough inquest into the circumstances surrounding the sad incident.

According to the Police, some vital body organs of the victim, including her private parts were severed.

The CP, while sympathizing with the victim’s family, friends and the entire community, also assured that no efforts will be spared in apprehending those behind the dastardly act.

It’s N72,000 Minimum Wage For Kogi Workers, One Year Tax Relief

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Public servants in Kogi state heave a sigh of relief Governor, Ahmed Ododo, approved a minimum wage of N72,000 for them with immediate effect.

Aside this, the workers are to enjoy a tax relief for one year, courtesy of the governor.

Ododo announced these on Monday after signing the agreement on the new minimum wage.

“The new minimum wage of seventy-two thousand five hundred naira should take immediate effect to enable it to cope with the current situation in the country.”

The Chairman of the Minimum Wage Committee, Elijah Evenemi, explained that the agreement on the minimum wage is not a victory for any political party but for the good of the masses.

He expressed appreciation to the governor for giving the committee a free hand to operate and achieve a common goal.

The minimum wage payable in Kogi state is higher than the federal government’s approved one.

President Bola Tinubu had, on July 18, 2024, approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers and pledged to review the national minimum wage law every three years.

Rivers Crisis: President Tinubu Orders Return Of Police, Sues For Calm

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has advised warring factions in the political crisis in Rivers state not to resort to self help.

This is just as the President ordered the return of the police to the state and restore peace immediately.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Bayo Onanuga, called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

“In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s Local Government Council Election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

“President Tinubu directed the Police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

“While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasized the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

“President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

“He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.”

According to President Tinubu, the Judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.

Apapa Port Customs Posts Over N1.6 Trillion Third Quarter Result

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Apapa Area Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS  Apapa Port Area Command  has announced revenue  generation of over  N1.6 Trillion for the third quarter of the year ended September.

The Comptroller, of the Command, Babatude Olomu, said the feat is a  direct consequence of diligence and integrity in service delivery.

This is even as he  assured that the Command will continually interface with all relevant stakeholders, for the purpose of improving on its revenue generation abilities.

A statement issued on Monday October 7, 2024  by the Command’s Spokesperson, Usman Abubakar, quoted Comptroller Olomu as also crediting the robust fight against smuggling activities as part of the reasons for the great leap in the revenue generation profile of the Command.

The N1.6 .trillion revenue generated, according to the Olomu, represents a considerable increase in the over N1.172 trillion collected during the corresponding period in 2023.

The Comptroller similarly identified the N201.8billion generated in July 2024 and N193.9 billion realized in September this year as spectacular figures capable of being replicated in the last quarter of the year beginning from October.

Further speaking, the Comptroller Olomu lauded the immense contributions of innovative measures put in place by the NCS Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the unprecedented revenue generation feat of the Command.

According to him, such policies as the advance ruling, time release study and Authorized Economic Operator, AEO, as being dutifully implemented, have greatly impacted on the revenue generation capacity of the Command.

However, the Comptroller noted that the Command’s emphasis on improved revenue generation, has not prevented it from strictly adhering to measures aimed at combating smuggling and other economic sabotaging activities within the Apapa port.

Comptroller Olomu, therefore, while appreciating officers and men of the Command for the achievement in revenue generation relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions, also praised them for being alive to the battle against unwholesome economic activities.

“The Command shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area.

“The Strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training and retraining of officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.

“Our revenue collection is good, and I know that we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation and support to us in the achievement we have recorded.

“Reduced smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come.

“We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is air tight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures,” Olomu stated

The Apapa Port Comptroller also lauded the support and understanding of sister agencies, promising that the Command will always leverage its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements, embark on joint  examinations in line with extant standard operating procedures, as well as promote compliance at all times”.

BREAKING: LAHA Suspends Alimosho LG Chairman Indefinitely

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

After months of deliberation, the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday handed down an indefinite suspension to the Chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon. The suspension is with immediate effect.

Sitting at plenary, the Lawmakers resolved that the Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, should take over the running of its affairs.

The House further instructed the management of the Council, including the Manager and Treasurer, to recognise the authority of the Vice Chairman and accord him all the support to make him work effectively.

The Chairman was suspended in a unanimous vote by the Lawmakers over an alleged non-compliance, defiance and unyielding attitude to the Legislative House.

Moving a motion for his suspension, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, recalled that in April 2024, pandemonium broke out in the Iyana-Ipaja axis of Alimosho Local Government leading to the death of one Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Hon. Okanlawon, whose committee was saddled with the responsibility to investigate the cause of the pandemonium, said that it was discovered that Jelili masterminded the chaos.

According to Okanlawon, all stakeholders involved in the issue were invited, but Jelili had continued to show acts of misconduct to the committee of the House.

He highlighted the council chairman’s failure to adhere to the Assembly’s directives and his mismanagement of public funds. He, therefore, called for Jelili’s immediate suspension in line with relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, takes over with immediate effect,” he prayed.

Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, while supporting the call for Jelili’s suspension, added that the action would make other local government chairmen sit well.

“The Alimosho council chairman does not follow procurement processes or the budget. There has been a lot of misconducts from him and I support that the chairman be suspended indefinitely,” he said.

In his contribution Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referred to the report submitted by the State Auditor-General concerning the activities of Jelili. The report underscored the council chairman’s consistent non-compliance with financial regulations, with significant irregularities in his records.

Akinsanya, emphasising these discrepancies, suported Okanlawon’s call for Jelili’s suspension.

Similarly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale expressed surprise that the council chairman had been recalcitrant despite previous reports detailing his alleged financial mismanagement.

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, while echoing his concerns, also prayed the House to invite Kolade Alabi and Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA respectively, as heads of the Conference 57, to explain the widespread disregard by council chairmen for governance protocols.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, directed the Clerk of the House,  Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities.

NAFDAC Workers Begin Indefinite Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
NAFDAC

By Ayodele Oni

Operations at the Federal government’s regulatory body, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have been disrupted as the staff commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday.

The action followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to management.

The decision to down tools was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The striking workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices.

They were also ordered to remove personal belongings as the strike begins.

The demands of the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35 percent.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80 percent for this year and future examinations.

Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among others.

In a statement signed by Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their grievances, calling the inaction insufferable.

The staff have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are met.

NAFDAC, which plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.

1...1,0551,0561,057...3,084Page 1,056 of 3,084