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“Mr President, Remove Or Redeploy Ministers For Defence, Police” – Major General Alli

June 2, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

As anxiety and speculations reign over the fate of President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet members, a retired Army General has weighed in with an advice to the President on which Ministers to do away with.

Major General Danjuma Alli, rtd, after a comprehensive look at the performance of some of President Tinubu’s Ministers, especially those whose Ministries have something to do with the Security of Nigeria, advised the President to remove, especially, three Ministers and redeploy them short of sacking them from his Cabinet.

General Alli, who spoke in a recent interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, advised President Tinubu to relieve the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, of their portfolios.

Both Ministers were the Governors of Jigawa and Zamfara States respectively before their appointments.

While Badaru was appointed after his full, two tenures as Jigawa Governor, Matawalle was appointed after he was denied a second term in office by the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dauda Lawal, who roundly defeated him in the 2023 Governorship Election.

However, Alli said he couldn’t understand why, or how, the two former Governors were appointed Ministers for Defence, considering the security situation in the Country. To him, both Ministers have performed well below average.

He said President Tinubu needs to appoint very strong personalities to those offices. His suggestion: Retired Military Generals who would properly take charge or, at worst, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He, also, asked the President to remove and/or redeploy the Ministers for Police and Interior, Margarito Dingyadi and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo respectively.

While not a few Nigerians agree with the General on the removal/redeployment of the Ministers for Defence and Police, they disagree with that of Tunji-Ojo. They say, so far, Tunji-Ojo, a member of the House of Representatives until his appointment as Minister, has done quite well, especially, for clearing the backlog of International Passports not issued by the Immigration Service, and making the issuance easier than before. They, however, agree that he has not been active on internal security, a part of his job as Minister for Interior. “He carries on as if his only brief is the Immigration Service”, said a commentator.

They, also, disagree with General Alli’s suggestion of appointing Wike a Minister in the Defence Ministry. “No, never, impossible”, said another commentator, without saying exactly why not.

Recall that Matawalle, as the Governor of Zamfara State, was very helpless against rampaging Bandits in his State. It was during his tenure that (his) Government physically negotiated with terrorists, allegedly, gave them a lot of money. And yet, situation became worse than before the negotiations.

Killing Of Soldiers In Abia: “We Will Come Down Heavily On Perpetrators” President Tinubu Vows

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 2, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will come hard on the perpetrators of the heinous killing of five soldiers at a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa local council of Abia state.

The Source reports that gunmen, on Thursday, May 30, while enforcing a sit-at -home order imposed on the southeast region by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, to mark the death of Igbos during the Nigerian civil war, mowed down the soldiers, and razed their operational vehicles.

The President while reacting to the sad incident on his official site on Saturday, June1, 2024 , charged security agencies to fish out and punish those behind the unfortunate attack on the soldiers.

He warned that the Federal Government will respond strongly to the activities of those who have formed the habit of attacking members of the Armed Forces of the country on lawful duties.

President Tinubu who, also, described as treason, the sit-at-home order being imposed on the people, said the killings of the soldiers, while on lawful duties, is unwarranted, evil and totally condemnable and should not be tolerated.

“The slain Soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia state on Thursday May, 30, when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama ,Delta state.

“These unwarranted, barbaric and evil acts are condemnable and should never be condoned or tolerated in our country.

“Our Soldiers and Police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and criminal non-state actors . Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfilment of their duty,while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect .

“They do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society .

“The Federal Government will come down heavily on those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.

“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state. I want to make it clear that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non state actors making our communities unsafe .

“The fact that security forces are exercising restraints when attacked should not be mistaken for weakness” President Tinubu warned.

The President, while condoling with the families of the fallen soldiers, further warned that nobody should be under the illusion that Government will not act appropriately when security operatives are mindless killed.

Osun PDP Demands For Oyetola’s Sáck As Minister Over Non Performance

Ayodele Oni

June 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in Osun State has called for the sáck of Mr Gboyega Oyetola as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

The party believes that the call is necessitated by non performánce of Oyetola as a Minister.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday signed by the Party’s Chairman, Sunday Bisi who described him as a wasted nominee and a very bad signpost for the President’s administration.

“Mr Gboyega Oyetola has been a subject of consistent poor ratings amongst the Ministers working with President Tinubu thereby attracting anger of the citizenry against the judgement of Mr President to appoint him despite his bad record while in office as the Governor of Osun state.”

The chairman described the seeming verdict of incompetence hammered on Mr Oyetola as a succinct vindication of electorates in Osun, who overwhelmingly rejected him at the last governorship election in the State.

“The poor ratings of Mr Oyetola as a Minister from Nigerians comes as no surprise to us as a party and Osun people in general.

“During his tenure as Osun Governor, he displayed his lack of leadership acumen much to the disdain of Osun people. His penchant for shying away from responsibility is legendary.”

“Oyetola streams of disgrace got to a head when he was named as principal among the five worst Ministers with no record of performance since assumption of office after blackmailing other APC leaders to claim the ministerial slot.

“The commentaries and assessment of Minister Oyetola’s performance is reminiscent of his better forgotten and uninspiring performance as the Governor of Osun.

“He has successfully exported his lack of administrative prowess to the entire country. The public outcry calling on President Tinubu to expunge him out of the federal cabinet, barely eight months in office, has vindicated the people of Osun state who voted him out of office.”

Bisi who apologized to Nigerians on behalf of the people of Osun state, stated further that Mr Oyetola’s poor representation of the State at the National level is an exception, rather than the norms as Osun State can boast of eminent achievers, who have represented the state as Ministers in different capacity in the past.

“It is sad that Mr Oyetola is disgracing himself at the National level with his abysmal performance as a Minister of the Federal Republic, his cluelessness is fast becoming an identity.

“Osun is known for sending out the best performers until Mr Oyetola fought tooth and nail to hijack the Ministerial slot reserved for the state. Check the list of past Ministers from Osun, Oyetola is just a sorry exception from the list of those wonderful performers.

“What is more worrisome is that Nigerians predicted this outcome. His inclusion in the cabinet is more about his personal relationship with the President than his credential as a public officer.

“He has shown to his most optimistic supporters that he is not only clueless about the knowledge of the Ministry he is meant to lead, he also lack the required administrative capacity or the mental stamina to direct the affairs of the Ministry.”

Oyetola is the immediate past Governor of Osun State. He was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party’s Ademola Adeleke when he contested for a second term in office. He was, thereafter, appointed a Minister by President Bola Tinubu.

Abia Traders Condemn Killing Of Soldiers, Sue For Peace

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With public outrage and condemnation still trailing the gruesome killing of five Nigerian Soldiers on Thursday May 30, by suspected enforcers of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, declared sit-at-home order in the South-east region to mourn hundreds of thousands of Igbo victims of the Nigerian Civil war, Abia traders have unreservedly condemned the ugly incident.

This is even as they have appealed to the Nigerian Military to continue to exercise restraint and avoid a situation whereby innocent and law abiding citizens suffer unjustly.

The Abia traders, under the aegis of Abia State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, in a statement jointly issued on Saturday, June 1, by Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo and Comrade Akwarandu Anyim President-General and Secretary respectively, and made available to The Source, extended their deepest sympathy to the Chief of Army Staff, the entire Military high Command, and Officers and men of the service over the regrettable incident.

The Abia traders similarly expressed their unflinching solidarity with the families of the victims in the face of the excruciating pain the unfortunate development has visited on them.

Particularly, ASMATA noted that it is internally grateful to the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his prompt and pragmatic response which has contributed immensely to the restoration of peace, security and order in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State.

“The Abia state Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA, stand totally in condemnation of the dastardly killing of five soldiers of the Nigerian military on Thursday May 30 2024 at Obikabia junction in Obingwa local Government Area of Abia while performing their lawful duties .

“We believe that there is no justification for such a heinous crime, more so against those only out to protect and secure the lives and property of the people.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, the entire Military High Command and all members of the Nigeria Army over this unfortunate development.

“We appeal to the Nigerian Military to continue to exercise restraint and professionalism in the face of this unmerited provocation.

“We appeal passionately that all actions capable of causing pains and, suffering to otherwise innocent persons should be avoided

“Abia traders are in complete solidarity with the families, friends and relations of the fallen heroes at this trying moment in their lives .

“Our sincere gratitude goes to the traders- friendly Governor of Abia state ,Dr Alex Otti for his prompt response and uncommon brave steps to restore peace, security and stability to Aba” part of the statement reads

Nationwide Strike: Seaports, Jetties, Terminals, Oil And Gas Platforms To Be Shut – Maritime Workers Declare

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Baring any last minute change of mind by the leaderships of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, on their decision to call out Workers for an industrial action, effective Monday, June 3, all Seaports, Jetties, Terminals ,Oil and Gas facilities across the country will be shut down.

Maritime workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has signaled its readiness to ensure total compliance with the directives of its parent-bodies, NLC and TUC, for workers to embark on an indefinite strike action due to the inability of the Federal Government to reach an agreement with the Organized Labour on minimum wage and other related matters.

The Source reports that on Friday ,May 31, the Comrade Joe Ajearo-led NLC had, in the wake of the collapse of talks with the Federal Government over a new minimum wage, called on all affiliate bodies to brace up for a show down.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 1, 2024, MWUN Spokesperson John Kennedy Ikemefuna ,said the Maritime workers are set to comply fully with the NLC/TUC declared industrial action, noting that it has become more imperative in the face of Federal Government’s failure to attend to Workers’ demands,which also include the reversal of the hike in electricity tariff .

“In view of the forgoing, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has directed its members at all Ports Nationwide, Jetties Terminals, Oil and Gas Platforms to effectively ensure total compliance with the strike as directed by the NLC and TUC .

“This is also to serve as a notice to all our concerned stakeholders in the Maritime sector” the statement further reads .

The Source reports that the Organized Labour, at its Friday meeting with a Federal Government’s delegation, flatly rejected a N60,000-monthly minimum wage offer, thus setting the stage for the commencement of a Nationwide strike action beginning Monday June 3.

Disrespect To New National Anthem Has Legal Consequence – Ondo Attorney General

Ayodele Oni

June 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, has explained the legal implication for those that refuse to honour the new national anthem.

Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) stated in a signed statement that: “As a concerned citizen and legal practitioner, I feel compelled to address a pressing matter.

“I have been dismayed by recent commentaries from certain individuals who brazenly boast about their disdain for the New-Old Nigerian National Anthem.

“They openly defy the law, refusing to stand, sing, or show respect when the anthem is played.

“Let them be reminded that such actions are considered a grave sign of disrespect and can incur serious legal consequences.

‘The Nigerian National Anthem Act stipulates that failure to stand during the rendition of the anthem is an offense punishable by imprisonment, fine and or both fine and imprisonment

“I implore all to take heed and show the necessary respect for our national anthem.”

President Bola Tinubu had, this week, signed into law the old national anthem to replaced the one being used before after the National Assembly hurriedly passed it into law.

A former Minister for Solid Minerals, and later, Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, in her immediate reaction to the new National Anthem, say she would never recognize it.

Imo Govt, Egyptian Firm Sign Pact On Power Supply

The Source

June 1, 2024

The Government of Imo State has signed a pact with an Egyptian power generation, transmission and distribution company, Madkour Group, for the purpose of solving the perennial epileptic power supply in the State.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Egyptian firm, Madkour Group, which was signed in Government House Owerri on Saturday was the highpoint of months of partnership discussions between the management of the Egyptian firm and those of the Orashi Electricity Company of Imo State, coupled with days of tour of facilities in the State by both parties.

While the President of the Egyptian firm, Dr. Mostafa Madkour signed for Madkour Group, Engr. Valentine Obumeyan, the Acting General Manager of Orashi Electricity Company of Imo State signed on behalf of the State government, with both parties committing to doing everything humanly possible to “set Imo State on fire” by January next year.

Addressing the audience at the signing ceremony, which included top government officials and key management officers of Madkour Group, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma said in pursuit of the development of Imo State, his administration has already “assented to a law on power generation for the State and the law created Orashi Electricity Company Limited for Imo State.”

The Governor noted that the Federal Government supported the State in the establishment of the Company and to find technical and financial partners.

Governor Uzodimma added that “the need for partners became necessary because the business of power generation, distribution and transmission is capital intensive and it is not what the State can carry alone.”

“This informed the coming of Madkour Group to partner Orashi Electricity Company Limited of Imo State as both technical and financial partners.”

The Governor emphasised that “as part of the deliverables, by January next year (2025) we will be able to generate, transmit and distribute our own power,” noting that it was to consummate the partnership that the signing of the MOU became inevitable.

Responding on behalf of the Madkour Group, the President, Dr. Madkour, thanked the Governor for trusting in their capacity and accepting to engage them in the partnership.

He assured that they will provide all that is needed in the power generation, transmission and distribution in the State in line with the pact they have entered into with Orashi Electricity Company of Imo State.

Dr. Madkour further promised that they will not only work hard “to support and stabilise the source of power supply in Imo State,” but “will work hard to make it happen.”

He thanked the Governor very sincerely for the trust and promised that they will not disappoint his expectations.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, and other members of the expanded State Executive Council witnessed the signing ceremony which took place in the Governor’s Conference Room.

Kïllïng Of Soldiers In Abia; We Owe the Déad The Duty Of Demanding Justice And Accountability” – Peter Obi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party LP in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the gruesome kïllïng of five soldiers on duty at a military checkpoint in Obikabia, Obingwa Local Council of Abia State. The soldiers were killed on Thursday, May 30, 2024, by gunmen.

The victims were part of military operatives who were drafted to maintain peace and order amidst the sit -at -home order imposed on the South-east faction by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, to mourn the death of hundreds of thousands of the Igbo during the Nigerian Civil war.

The former Anambra state Governor in a statement posted on his official site on Friday, May 31, also extended his sincere condolences to the families of the fallen heroes,who he said have paid the ultimate price in service to the country.

While commiserating and expressing solidarity with Governor Alex Otti and the good people of Abia state, Obi noted that the ugly incident represents a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that have continued to plague the country .

“I am appalled and saddened by the attack on our brave soldiers in Abia State on Thursday May 30 ,2024, resulting in the death of five soldiers.

“The dastardly act remains condemnable as it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that have continued to plague our nation under our collective watch.

“My heart goes out in solidarity and sincere condolences to my brother, Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State and the good people of the State.

“More directly, my condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and we owe it to them to demand accountability and justice .

“Our failure as a nation to protect our citizens and security personnel is a clear dereliction of duty and sign of deficiency of the Nigerian State.

“The continued brutality and bloodshed in our nation must be met with swift and decisive actions ,not empty words and hollow promises.

“I condemn this atrocity in strong terms, and demand an immediate and thorough investigation into this crime in order to identify and punish the culprits.

“We must not stand idly by while our nation is torn apart by violence and fear.” Obi stated.”

NANS Demands Justice For Student Killed By Police Stray Bullets

Ayodele Oni

June 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerians Students, (NANS) has demanded justice over the killing of a student by stray bullets from the rifle of a Policeman in Ado Ekiti.

The deceased was a student of Mechanical Engineering Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti.

Leadership of the chapter, in a letter to Governor Biodun Oyebanji condemned the act of violence and called on the Ekiti State Government to take immediate and decisive action on the matter.

The letter, signed by the chapter chairman, Asaolu Femi and secretary, Olagoke Ayobami states

“On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Chapter, I am writing to express our profound sorrow and condemnation regarding the tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday, 28th May 2024.

“This involves the unlawful shooting and killing of Ajayi Ayomide, a student of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Ayomide was a promising student in the Mechanical Engineering Department, ND1.

“The news of this heartbreaking event has shaken the entire student community and the people of Ekiti State. It is deeply troubling that a young, innocent, and unarmed student was killed by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, whose duty is to protect citizens, not harm them.

“This act is not only a violation of human rights but also a grave injustice that undermines the trust and confidence that the public, especially students, should have in our law enforcement agencies.

“NANS Ekiti Chapter categorically condemns this act of violence and calls on the Ekiti State Government to take immediate and decisive action to address this issue.

“We demand the following: Immediate Investigation. A thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ajayi Ayomide must be conducted without delay. Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified and held accountable.

“Justice for Ajayi Ayomide: The family of the deceased must be given justice. The officers involved in this unlawful killing should face the full weight of the law, and appropriate legal action must be taken against them.

“Enhanced Policing Standards: The state government should review and strengthen the operational protocols of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other law enforcement agencies to prevent future occurrences of such tragic incidents.

“We believe that the sanctity of life is paramount and that every student in Ekiti State deserves to pursue their education in a safe and secure environment.

“The killing of Ajayi Ayomide is an affront to justice, and it is imperative that the state government acts swiftly to restore faith in our law enforcement system.

“We trust that the Ekiti State Government will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. NANS Ekiti Chapter stands ready to support any actions that will ensure justice for Ajayi Ayomide and the prevention of future incidents of this nature.”

Edo People’s Votes Will Count During September Election – INEC Assures

Ayodele Oni

June 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the commission would protect the choice of people of the state during the September governorship poll.

The INEC boss emphasized the importance of peaceful and democratic electoral processes, and warned Political parties against the use of violence to gain an advantage in the forthcoming governorship election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the advice at a meeting with leaders of political parties and members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Saturday in Benin.

He said that only the people of Edo would determine who becomes their next governor and INEC would protect their choices.

Yakubu said he was in the State to assess the impact of May 24 flood on the commission’s head office in Edo as well to monitor the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CRV).

He said upon his arrival in Edo the Commission heard a few complaints and stories that were not encouraging, in spite the peaceful commencement of campaign in the state citing some snippets , and was not happy with the reports from Idiya College of Oredo Ward 4 and complaints from Owan West.

He urged leaders of parties to keep the peace of the state as demonstrated in 2016 and 2020 when there were tension, but the elections were still conducted peacefully.

“I want to remind you that this commission in particular has had a long standing experience in handling governorship elections in Edo state.This is going to be our third governorship election in Edo state. I was here in 2016 ahead of the 2016 ahead of the governorship election.

“I was here nearly four years ago in 2020 ahead of the last governorship election, and I’m here again ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

“However, I must commend political parties so far, that the build up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo state has so far been the most peaceful.

“I know what went through in 2016, in fact the election had to be postponed, and I also know what happened in 2020, it was as if the world was coming to an end in Edo state.

“But you will also agree with me that in the aftermath of the governorship election, citizens of Nigeria in Edo state started dancing on the streets over the professional manner with which the election was conducted.

“INEC has no candidate in this election, we are not a political party. The last two elections were actually won by two different political parties. So the next election will actually be won by one of you sitting there.”

Yakubu urged party leaders in the state to go beyond mobilizing supporters for voters’ registration, but also for the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“We have literally over two hundred thousand uncollected PVCs in Edo state. These are for persons who have already registered. What is standing between them and voting is just to pick up the PVCs.”

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, said that the meeting was called because of the happenings in the state especially security matters.

“Some of our centers have been affected by the shooting, and some of our staff have been affected by these unfortunate incidences.

“It is important that we interact with the security agencies to see how we can provide a solution to this.”

On his part the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Funsho Adeboye, assured all political parties of enabling environment without fare or favour.

“Some of you said that we have been planted here. I don’t know by who, and for what. I want to say it again, nobody has planted anybody to do something or anything that is against the law.

“Please make our job very easy. Please play the game according to the rules. INEC which is the umpire has set the rules, we all know it.

“There is no need for police officers to be carrying guns on election day. I feel bad each time we do that, but we have to do it.

“I wish we can do without arms during the campaigns, during the election and after the elections.”

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