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Rivers Elders To Wike: “Stop Deceiving Yourself, There Is Nothing Like Your ‘Personal Political Structure’ In Rivers State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Rufus Ada George and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Wike was boy to Senator Azuka Mbata who introduced him to then Governor Ada George as a Councilorship Aspirant. Wike’s conduct (now) is capable of igniting serious crisis in the Country”

A former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George, has described as misleading, nebulous and utterly self serving, the idea of anybody laying  claim to the ownership of “a political structure in the State.”

This is even as the Rivers State Elders Council  condemned, in very strong terms, Nyesom Wike’s threat to ignite crisis in some parts of the country ,on account of protecting such a non existent personal political structure in the oil rich State.

Chief Ada George, on behalf of the Rivers State Elders Council, spoke late Thursday, September 5, 2024, against the backdrop of the threat issued by Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, to make ungovernable  States which Governors are lending support to his successor in office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike accuses the Governor  of making efforts to undermine and/or erode his political structure in Rivers state.

But in a statement issued on Thursday, Ada George said: “It is unimaginable for Wike to assume that the current and future political structure and generations of leaders in Rivers state belong to him.

“He should, therefore, stop misleading the public with the false narrative of

‘my structure’. To put it squarely, Chief Wike served as Council Chairman under His Excellency, Peter Odili’s administration.

“He (Wike) was boy to Senator John Azuta Mbata who introduced him to Chief Rufus Ada George years back as an intending Councilorship aspirant.

“The Holy Bible states in Matthew 10.24, said ‘A disciple is not above their teacher ,nor a servant above their master but if fully taught would be like his master’.

Therefore, this servant with his antecedents, is not fully taught, hence cannot be like his Master, much more of owning the structure

“The political structure in Rivers state belong to Rivers people. Wike is just one product of the Rivers Political family.

“Rivers State before, and at inception our democratic journey, has been conservative and pro- North and South in terms of her voting / electoral learnings and patterns .

“Late Chief Melford Okilo ,the first civilian Governor of (old) Rivers State had an alliance with the Northern Peoples Congress, NPC. Chief Rufus Ada George (the political son of Chief Okilo ) who later became Governor in 1992 ,was Okilo’s Secretary to State Government.

“His Excellency, Dr Peter Odili, who later became Governor in 1999, was Chief Rufus Ada George’s Deputy Governor.

“Both Celestine Omieha and Rotimi Amaechi who were Governors served in different capacities under Chief Rufus Ada George and Dr Peter Odili.

“It is, therefore, unambiguous to state that almost all the contemporary set of leaders with Wike had, at one point or the other served/worked under previous Governments.” the statement  noted.

Condemning Wike’s threat to PDP Governors , the Rivers Elders Council, described the development as both unsavory and demeaning.

According to Council, Wike’s threat to ignite “fire in some states ,to protect his political structure is  callous, mischievous, unacceptable and clearly undermines  both Nigeria’s democracy and the unity of the country.

“Chief Wike should be made to realize the importance of the high office he holds and the responsibility expected of him by the Nigerian State.

“A great novelist once said “words are like bullets ,once fired cannot be recalled and they are bound to cause the damage either intended or unintended.

“That some State Governors expressed support for the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and called on his party’s NWC, to grant him his “rightful position” as the leader of the party in the state does not earn them the verbal threats Wike is unleashing on them

“We, therefore, condemn, in its entirety, the language, the environment, and the insults meted out to Their Excellencies, which we consider as an indirect assault on them .

“These bully tactics are the hallmarks and characteristics of Chief Barr Nyesom Wike. We, the people of Rivers State stand for peace alone and we are known as ” fire quenchers not fire setters “. the Rivers Elders stated .

While appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Wike, his appointee, Chief  George, expressed concern that such reckless utterances as made by the FCT Minister has the potentials to snowball into a national crisis.

According to the Rivers Elders, unguarded statements are a sure recipe for eroding public confidence in political leaders, institutions and the democratic process as a whole with a striking strength to deepen divisions within the society.

“The statements and conducts of Chief Barr Nyesom Wike, if not timely checked, may lead to a breakdown of peace and security in Nigeria”, the statement

stated.

Rep Ogene Empowers 100 Youths in Renewable Energy Skills

By
James Orji
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Victor Ogene Empowers Youths

As part of his youth empowerment programs, Hon. Afam Ogene, Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, has trained 100 youths in renewable energy skills. The three-day training, which began on Thursday, was organized in collaboration with the Border Communities Agency (BCDA) and MODESCOM Solution Ltd.

The training focused on solar energy installation and maintenance, equipping beneficiaries with practical skills to thrive in the renewable energy sector. According to Hon. Ogene, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, the trained youths will receive start-up equipment, funding, and logistical support to enable them to earn a living in the renewable energy sub-sector.

This initiative aims to promote self-dependence among youths in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

Among the trainees were 100 male and female youths below 40 years.

According to Hon. Ogene, the training aimed to discourage youths from engaging in social vices. He expressed concern over the high level of unemployment and economic depression among youths in the country, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Ogene leveraged his connections with local and international organizations to provide quality training and skill acquisition in renewable energy services. This initiative seeks to empower young people in the area, offering them a viable alternative to banditry and other negative activities.

This initiative is a precursor to various empowerment programmes slated for next year in the area.

Addressing the participants, Hon. Ogene expressed concern over the high rate of unemployment and under-employment among youths in the country, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address this challenge. He assured that the training would equip the youths with the necessary skills to earn a living and become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.

The training, which focuses on solar energy technology, aims to provide the youths with a solid foundation in renewable energy services, enabling them to become self-reliant. Participants will receive tools and equipment, and a monitoring mechanism will be put in place to track their progress.

Resource person, Mr. Suraj Shittu, commended the enthusiasm and eagerness of the youths to explore opportunities in the renewable energy business. He highlighted the advantages of solar energy technology and how it can be leveraged to achieve self-reliance.

This empowerment program is a step towards addressing the unemployment crisis among youths and promoting sustainable development in the area.”

Some of the youth including Nnamdi Obiekie said he was happy to be given the opportunity to learn about renewable energy initiative while stressing happiness that he learnt about installation and maintenance of solar system.

An overjoyed James Adione spoke about the privilege and opportunity provided, noting that the programme exposed him to the economic advantage of renewable energy for self reliance.

For her part, Miss Fate John was impressed with the exposition on how renewable energy can assist her earn a living.

She particularly dismissed the misconception that installation of solar panel was meant for the males alone and with the training, she discovered it was for both male and female.

Some of the stakeholders in the area commended the benefactor for attracting such a meaningful opportunity to the people of the area.

Insecurity: Arewa Consultative Forum Seeks Alternative Approach, Says Unconventional Method Should Be Adopted

By
Ayodele Oni
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Arewa Consultative Forum Committee

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the unending insecurity in the Northern part of the country, the Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) has said unconventional methods should be adopted to tackle the menace.

The leadership of the ethnic group believes that this becomes imperative since various measures being adopted to address insecurity seem to have failed.

Rising from its meeting in Kaduna, the Arewa group pointed out that “There does not appear to be an end on sight to these crisis as the mitigation measures taken by the authorities have so far failed to yield the desired results.

“The current approaches to fighting the insurgents and bandits are not yielding the desired results. Other measures, even unconventional ones, need to be considered and tried.

“Nigeria is indeed facing a moral crisis for failing to protect its citizens who cannot bear arms but are left at the mercy of well armed, cruel and blood thirsty renegades and barbarians that continue to have free access to deadly arms.

“This is a matter that requires very urgent thoughts and review.  Community driven models of defence, such as the Civilian JTF, are already in operation in several parts of the country, including in the Boko-Haram-ravaged Northeast of Nigeria.”

In a communique signed by Prof Tukur Muhammad Baba, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF),

National Headquarters, stated further that “Similar or modified models of security management should be authorized in other parts of the country.

“Members agreed that at the moment, there is nothing troubling Northern Nigeria more than the lack of security of lives and property. The North is today ravaged by elevated forms of banditry, Boko Haram and other insurgencies.

“The menace of drug trafficking and abuse is steadily rising. Not surprisingly, food production is becoming increasingly difficult as farmlands are abandoned and the farmers are getting either killed or fleeing to the IDP camps.”

The meeting resolved that Northerners should do more to build trust and affection between and amongst themselves.

On cost of living, it decried severe food shortages and especially

the continuously rising prices of electr icity and fuel energy saying

these problems have compounded the challenges of insecurity and violent crimes.

The communique further stated that “After reviewing current agitations and calls for a review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as well as the restructuring of the administrative structure of Nigeria, the meeting resolved to dispel any impression that the North was shy, afraid of or averse to any such proposals. It is false and misguided.

“The meeting further resolved to put all and sundry on notice that Northern Nigeria is willing to consider all proposals on constitutional review that may be put on the table; now or in the future.

“If and when the occasion arises, the North will surely use whatever is available to it in pursuit of its legitimate interests.”

“Deliver On Or Before September 25, Or Face Arrest And Prosecution” – Ebonyi Gov Warns Contractors

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Francis Nwifuru - Ebonyi Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State authorities on Thursday, September 5, 2024, reaffirmed its determination to sanction erring contractors, including arrest and prosecution involved in the construction of 140 housing units in the Izzi and Amanze communities in Ishielu Local Council of the state

The Source reports that the housing units project conceived to assist in addressing accommodation deficits in the State ,particularly, Abakaliki the State capital and environs was awarded on September 22,2023.

Addressing the Media on Thursday, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr.Francis Ori, however, regretted the inability of the various contracting firms to deliver based on the terms of the agreement reached.

He noted that at  conception, the contractors were supposed to deliver the job within a time frame of three months.

The Housing commissioner expressed sadness that almost one year after collecting over 50 % mobilization, the contracting firms are still sitting on the all important project.

The Source reports that before the latest threat from the Commissioner, the Governor of the State, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru, had issued a September 25, 2024 dateline for the contractors to either deliver or face arrest from the State Government.

Engr Ori said the Government  is ever ready to carry out its threat to arrest and prosecute any contractors that fail to meet the September 25 ultimatum.

He expressed unhappiness with some of the contractors for turning around to be asking for variations in the costs of the contract contrary to the terms of the agreements they reached with the state Government.

“You will recall that  on 22nd September ,2023 ,Ebonyi State Government awarded contracts to various contractors for the construction of 140 units of three bedroom bungalow for Izzo and Amanze autonomous communities.

“These one hundred and forty three bedroom bungalow were shared evenly 70/70 per autonomous community.

“These contractors signed contract agreement with the Ministry and were mobilized 50% first in the history ,and they commenced construction.

“Along the line ,they started making some requests from the ministry which we considered and deemed it necessary to convey a meeting with the contractors .

“We had a meeting with them on the 22nd of January, 2024, having stayed up to the required time at the site. They came complaining that they need variation of the job and we said no,we paid you people 50% of mobilization ,and you are expected to have completed the sub structural work .

“It was a long argument and after that day, I briefed my boss, the Governor, who out of grace, said we should give them up to April ,and the contractors were mobilized back to site .

“We directed those who have outstanding certificates to indicate and some of the contractors applied and we paid them and they returned back to site.

“But little did we know that some of them will not complete the project. When we now conveyed another meeting of the contractors in June, the contractors started giving many excuses and we told them to go back to site and complete the job .

“Some of these contractors are still waiting to see what we will do up till few days ago during the Ojiji festival when the Governor directed that any contractors who fail to finish their jobs on or before 25th of September 2024, should be arrested and prosecuted according to the contract agreement.” Ori stated.

According to him, much as some of the contractors, following the Governor’s threat, have gone back to site, the September 25 completion dateline remains non negotiable.

“No Man Born of A Woman, Including Governor Soludo Can Kill And Bury APGA – Okorie BoT Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Chekwas Okorie and Governor Soludo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Soludo’s mission is to liquidate APGA, a Party which resurrected his almost dead and buried Governorship ambition” Okorie

The Chairman Board of Trustees, BoT, of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, has called for the activation of the party’s disciplinary rules to rein in Governor Chukwuma Soludo and others for their alleged anti-party activities.

This is just as he insisted that such disciplinary measures will help in enthroning a regime of party supremacy within the APGA fold.

Chief Okorie, the founding National Chairman of the party ,who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday September 4,2024 ,lamented that the Anambra State Governor, and some others have continued to show disdain and lack of respect to the Chief Edozie Njoku-led National Working Committee, NWC, even after being duly proclaimed the authentic leadership by a Court of competent jurisdiction in the land.

The Source reports that the Appeal Court had, a few months back, declared Chief Njoku as the duly elected National  Chairman of APGA at its Owerri Convention.

But from his body language, and even some manifest actions, the Anambra State Governor prefers to do business with the faction led by Chief Sylvester Ezeokenwa.

In the count down to the September 28, 2024, scheduled Local Council Polls in the State, Governor Soludo and Chief Njoku have been having a bitter running battle over who between the two will call the shot in the screening and submission of APGA aspirants for the election.

The crisis between the two climaxed last week with Governor Soludo sealing APGA’s State Secretariat in Awka, the State capital.

Chief Okorie, while addressing the Media on the situation, however, regretted that Governor Soludo has chosen to undermine the very party that sponsored his election.

For the records ,Professor Soludo is the only Governor, elected on the platform of the party ,which has for many years, controlled the Anambra State seat of power.

The APGA  pioneer. National Chairman, noted that Governor Soludo, despite appeals from many stakeholders and public spirited persons, have continued in his inglorious task of destroying the very party that  provided him the opportunity to actualize his almost faded dream of Governing Anambra state.

But despite perceived and orchestrated moves to undermine, and kill the party ,Chief Okorie said no political actor born of a woman can bury APGA .

“No body born of a woman can prevent APGA from recovering its rightful place in Nigeria’s political space as the only political party in Nigeria anchored on genuine progressive ideology.

“No body born of a woman can be an undertaker to bury APGA as Prof,Soludo boasted in his tantrums and hallucinations.

“APGA is a spirit and, therefore, indestructible. APGA will outlive all of us ,including Prof Chukwuma Soludo” the APGA BoT  chairman stated.

Chief Okorie stated that it is all clear to discerning minds in the country, that Governor Soludo is on mission to liquidate APGA instead of accepting and submitting to the leadership of Njoku as the National Chairman.

“Governor Soludo thinks that his unfettered access to the common patrimony of the good people of Anambra state grants him the assurance that the Court of Appeal can easily be compromised

“The audacity of sponsoring Chief Victor Oye to embark on this latest misadventure at the Court of Appeal is incredible.

“A contemnor who has blatantly refused to purge himself of contempt is unashamedly before the Court of Appeal to prevent his being sentenced for contempt of valid orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.” Okorie noted

OYOSUBEB To Interview People With Disabilities In Its Teachers’ Recruitment

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Seyi Makinde - Governor of Oyo State

By Akinwale Kasali

In making sure there is inclusivity, irrespective of disabilities the Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, has revealed that 545 Candidates with various forms of disability will be interviewed by the Board on September 10, and 11, 2024.

This was made known Thursday by the Chairman,  OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, during a visit by the Oyo State Agency for People With Disabilities led by the Director-General, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi.

The visit was aimed at concluding arrangements towards the forthcoming interview exercise for people with disabilities by the Board.

Recall that the Board fixed September 10 and 11, as dates to interview applicants with disabilites, while caregivers were fixed for September 12 and 13, 2024.

Dr. Adeniran said candidates from Oke-ogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso and Oyo will be interviewed on September 10, 2024, while candidates from Ibadan main city and Ibadan less city will be interviewed on September 11, 2024.

During the visit, Dr. Adeniran stated the Board’s commitment to implementing a reasonable employment quota for people living with disabilities in the ongoing recruitment exercise by the Board.

He said though the Board is constrained by other criteria for recruitment such as merit, gender, Local government spread, etc, the welfare of those with disabilities is key to the present administration.

Adeniran said “the Board is committed to prioritizing persons with disabilities and will continue to do so. We have enough Special schools for them to teach. There are 22 Special basic schools across the 3 senatorial districts in Oyo State”.

“The Engr. Seyi Makinde led administration is committed to making life better for them without any form of discrimination or rejection”.

Also speaking, Barr. Adekanmbi applauded the Board for implementing an all-inclusive exercise, aimed at strengthening the workforce of the State.

He said, with the assistance of the Board, arrangements have been made for the visually impaired in the areas of providing for brailed question papers and tools required by them to participate in the interview independently.

Adekanmbi said the Agency has also made arrangements for the deaf and the physically challenged.

Adekanmbi said the inclusion of his agency by the Board has encouraged full participation and inclusion of PWDs in recruitment of teachers, while it has also increased awareness on disability rights and issues across board.

The Director-general took members of the Board through some basic concept of disability while also highlighting some of the challenges being faced by persons with disabilities in the society.

He also applauded the state government on some of its achievement towards inclusion such as the passage and signing of the State Disability Law, which established the Agency for People With Disabilities.

Mr. Adekanmbi said the panel will be headed by Prof. Akolade from the University of Ibadan, Mr. Temitope Aluko and Evang. Olukayode, who will be assisted by 4 sign language interpreters, and wheel chair assistants.

He said, “to make the arrangements easy, the candidates will be divided into three clusters: blind, deaf and the physically disabled”.

Also present at the meeting were the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Disabilities, alongside top management members of the board.

Insecurity: “Our Uniform Does Not Make Us Different From Other Nigerians” – Brig-Gen Oyekola, As LAHA Pledges Collaboration  To Tackle Insecurity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa with Nigerian Army

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged their support for the Nigerian Army in addressing the spate of insecurity in the country.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa stated that collaboration is targeted at sustaining the peace experienced in the State.

Obasa gave the assurance on Thursday when he received Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola, 48th Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who visited the House of Assembly with his team.

According to the Speaker, the State’s legislature with 40 Lawmakers, is committed to ensuring peace and stability in all the local government areas of Lagos and welcomes every support from the right quarters in this regard.

“I want to assure you of our total support. Our arms are wide open. When you need us, all you have to do is just call on us. We are at the House of Assembly to protect the people’s interests, their rights and ensure they do what they are supposed to do.

“We love peace in Lagos, which you can call a mini-Nigeria. And with your coming, we hope to sustain the peace we have in the State.

“Our interest is to prosper Lagos economically, socio-politically and in infrastructure,” the Speaker said while commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his policies that have kept the State growing.

He, however, used the opportunity to hail men of the military who, he described as gallant, for their dedication and loyalty to Nigeria. He specially commended the military men tackling insecurities in some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast.

Brigadier General Oyekola said he was in the House to associate with the representatives of the people of Lagos who he and his men are mandated to protect.

Noting that he was returning to Lagos 20 years after he left the State, he said Lagos is peaceful and that this status needed to be sustained.

He solicited the support of Lagosians for the Army, which he called the third layer of protection with the Nigeria Police Force as the first layer.

“Wearing this uniform does not make us different from the people. We are first civilians before becoming men in uniforms,” he said.

General Oyekola resumed at the Brigade’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos on August 21, 2024 after previously serving as Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.

Ekiti’s Governor Oyebanji Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration, Hosts Security Advisers SW, Kogi States

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

In an effort to stem the rising trans-border insecurity, Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday hosted a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.

The initiative aims at strengthening the security architecture of the states, which share boundaries and ensuring the protection of lives and properties within their borders.

The meeting was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd).

Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (Rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Jomeland Security, Ekiti State as Secretary.

In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.

Ogundana stressed that intelligence-sharing would be key in controlling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.

The security chief stated further that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of massive collaboration among the states, adding that future meetings would involve local governments in the border areas in order to enhance cooperation among security personnel.

He also noted that security efforts were being intensified across Ekiti, including farm settlements, to encourage farmers to return to their businesses without fear to enhance food security.

According to Ogundana, We are committed to ensuring peace across Ekiti State and in all our neighboring states,”stressing that improved security climate is a driver for increased investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“Without adequate security, there will be no investment, and we have seen big-time agro investors showing interest in Ekiti.”

Ogundana also addressed the recent food insecurity challenges, expressing hope that such issues would not recur this year due to proactive measures taken by the state, including resolving disputes between herdsmen and farmers.

He urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring a conducive environment for investors.

The meeting is set to continue periodically, with further discussions held virtually as needed, to stay ahead of potential security threats.

At Maiden Sitting, Kano #EndBadGovernance Panel, Promises To Expose Enablers Of Violence, Arson, Destruction

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry  instituted by the Kano State Government, to look into cases of breach of peace and destruction of properties during the #EndBadGovernance protest, has promised to be guided strictly by the ethos of justice and equity.

At a media briefing in Kano on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Lawan Mohmoud, rtd, said the panel will thoroughly investigate and find out individuals, group of persons or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the gross misconducts, including their respective roles during the nationwide protest.

The Source reports that the 10-day long protest was hugely characterized by wanton looting, destruction, and arson, particularly, on days one and two in the Commercial hub of  Northern region.

Following the large scale violence ,and killings the authorities, last week, inaugurated a 14-man panel of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that precipitated the ugly situation.

Besides, Justice Mohmoud also said the Commission will want to  establish the parts played by some persons in the build-up to the violent dimensions of the otherwise planned peaceful protest.

The Chairman noted that the Commission will be highly receptive of public contributions through the submission of both written and oral memoranda.

“While the Commission of Inquiry will do its best to deliver the task bestowed upon its shoulders by the Government, I hasten to indicate that we will leave our doors open to the general public for submission of both oral and written memoranda that will guide in the discharge of our assignment.

“We, therefore, appeal to the general public to be bold enough and support the Commission with relevant evidence and facts that will assist towards preparing our reports, including far-reaching recommendations that will forestall the re-occurrence of such incidents in the future.

“I am calling on the Media to be objective and fair in reporting the Commission’s proceedings, and where there is ambiguity, please  do not hesitate to contact the leadership of the Commission for clarification before before going to the press to avoid preempting the Judicial Commission’s proceedings”, the Chairman stated.

Justice Mohmoud pledged the Commission’s commitment to be fair in the conduct of its assignment, and  noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has assured not to interfere with the work of the panel.

“This, I believe, is quite inspiring and signals full autonomy of the Commission, which would, no doubt, translate to excellent and objective outcome of the assignment.

“Let me conclude by stating that the Terms of Reference given to the Judicial Commission will be its guiding light which include to establish the remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024  breach of peace, wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, arson and killings.

“Identify individuals, groups of persons and/or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest, and their roles and participation in the unrest and make appropriate recommendation”,  Justice Mohmoud noted.

Trafficking Of Nigerian Teenage Girls To Ghana: Anambra Police Arrests Prime Suspect

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command on Thursday, September 5, 2024, said it has nabbed a prime suspect in the notorious, but lucrative, venture of human trafficking to neighouring African Countries, particularly Ghana.

The Source reports that of recent, many young Nigerian girls, and even teens, mostly from the South East and South South regions ,have been ferried to Ghana and other countries for either child labour, and/or as commercial s*x workers.

Only recently t,the Imo state Government, took steps to coordinate the rescue and safe return of a number of its young ones enslaved in Ghana by some members of human trafficking cartels.

A statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, in the face of the growing trend of human trafficking in the State, has issued a marching order for operatives to halt the ugly situation.

Ikenga informed that some of the victims of the arrested suspect who were earlier trafficked to Ghana have been returned to Nigeria.

He stated that most of the victims were under-aged persons whose ages range between 13 and 16 years.

According to Ikenga, concerted efforts are ongoing to smoke out the rest of the members of the trafficking cartel.

“The Suspect is currently undergoing interrogation with the Police. This will help in rescuing other victims and also track down other gang members” the police spokesman stated.

The arrest of the prime suspect, he said, followed  several reported cases of  missing persons mostly teenagers in the State in recent times .

He further stated that the state Commissioner of Police, has charged personnel to go all out and fish out those behind the disturbing surge in human trafficking in the State.

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