Wigwe: Police Deploy Heavy Security As Ex-Access Bank CEO Goes Home

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March 9, 2024

Ahead the burial rites of the demised Access Holdings Plc Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe the Rivers state police command has deployed heavy security in the state.

The command made this known on Saturday stating that there was need to reinforce security considering the high caliber of people who will attend the burial of the former bank chief executive who lost his life, alongside wife, son in California, the United States of America, USA last month.

The magazine reports that Wigwe died in an ill-fated helicopter crash alongside others, including a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members on February 10 this year.

His remains and others have since been returned to the country, while burial ceremonies have been held in Lagos to honour the financial guru who is expected to be laid to his final place of rest in his home state this weekend.

Sources informer the magazine that the remains of the victims arrived the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, after which they were moved in a convoy of vehicles to his hometown in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Considering that many top Nigerians are expected to attend the burial today, the police said it has made preparation ahead to make it a hitch-free event.

According to the Spokesman of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a supereminent of police, SP, the police has made solid arrangement to ensure that they are safe and secure during the burial.

Instructively, she stated that the command had deployed mobile police personnel from the 19 PMF, 30 PMF, 46 PMF, 55 PMF, 56 PMF, 58 PMF, State Intelligence Department, SID, and other undercover personnel from other police formations from the state.

She said: “This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the venue and its surroundings, upholding the solemnity of the occasion, and maintaining public safety throughout the proceedings.

“The Rivers State Police Command kindly requests the cooperation of all residents and attendees, urging them to comply with the directives of law enforcement officials and adhere to designated security protocols.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, psc, has emphasized the importance of residents remaining law-abiding and carrying out their lawful activities while showing respect and consideration for the solemn nature of the event.”

“The command stands ready to promptly address any security concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

“The Rivers State Police Command would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Herbert Wigwe during this challenging time,” Iringe-Koko said.

Insecurity: Obi Bemoans Worsening Situation, Says Abduction Of School Children Unacceptable

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The Source

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March 9, 2024

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The main opposition voice and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has decried the worsening security situation in the country.

Obi said it’s unacceptable that Nigerian children will not be allowed to learn in a secure environment because of criminals.

The LP standard bearer charged relevant authorities to put no stone unturned and ensure that children go to school and learn in a conducive atmosphere and citizens worship their creator and go about their businesses without hindrance.

Writing on the X handle platform, the former Anambra State Governor said “Just yesterday, I was lamenting the horrible spate of killings, terror attacks, and abductions in the country, while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the menace.

“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

And an attack on a Mosque in the same Kaduna, on Friday. He said it’s curious the situation in Kaduna State with the highest number of military and other security institutions in the country.

“While every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences.

Obi noted that “insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, its negative impact on education will be more devastating for the nation.

“We are already contending with an army of over 18 million out-of-school children, arising from the closure of schools due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only aggravate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and add to the insecurity situation of the country.

“I once again appeal to the government, both state and federal, to explore all possible means to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children. I urge every Nigerian to continue to work and pray for the nation so that we can collectively conquer our challenges.

“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams and aspirations in a safe and secure nation. This is our duty in the New Nigeria which is possible.

Kogi Bank Robbery: Police Go After Killers Of Constable

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James Orji

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March 9, 2024

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The bank robbery in Lokoja, Kogi state claimed the life of a police officer and one of the guards working with the banks, the state Police command said.

On Thursday, some dare devil armed robbers attacked the banks in Anyingba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The banks attacked are the branches of Access Bank and Union Bank.

Giving details of the attack, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bernard Onuoha, while visiting the scene of the incident stated that a detachment of policemen has been dispatched to the area to maintain law and order.

According to a statement signed yesterday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, William Aya, a Superintendent of Police, the state commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

He assured that perpetrators of the robbery attack will be arrested soon, and made to face justice.

Part of the statement read, “Consequent upon the Ayingba banks robbery as well as the attacks on police stations on Thursday 7/3/2024, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, today, 08/03/2024 visited the scenes for on-the-spot assessment, and vowed that the hoodlums will be apprehended.

“He equally ordered the deployment of tactical teams comprising PMF Personnel, Counter Terrorism, Quick Response and Intelligence Units in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.

“Meanwhile, one police constable paid the supreme price during the exchange of fire with the hoodlums, before the arrival of the reinforced team to the scenes and the attackers fled,.”

Finally, Tinubu Returns Subsidy On Petrol

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James Orji

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March 9, 2024

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The federal government has finally owned up that it is now paying subsidy on petrol nine months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the policy has ended.

The revelation was made in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Thursday by Mrs Olu Verheijen, President’s Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy.

The presidential aide disclosed this to journalists while responding to posers on whether the government has returned to the old regime of subsidizing fuel.

Recall that the International Monetary Fund, IMF, recently claimed that the federal government had started paying subsidy to petrol marketers, making Nigerians to demand transparency over the matter.

Reacting to the issue yesterday, Verheijen stated that the federal government would do all it takes to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on Nigerians.

According to the presidential aide, it’s normal for government to intervene on behalf of the citizen when the economic situation is tough, stating that such actions are globalized standards.

She said; “The subsidy was removed on May 29. However, the government has the prerogative to maintain price stability to address social unrest. They reserve the right to intervene.

“If the government feels that it cannot continue to allow prices to fluctuate due to high inflation and exchange rates, the government reserves the right to intervene intermittently and that, does not negate the fact that subsidy has been removed.

“Fuel and electricity subsidies are costly, do not reach those that most need government support and should be phased out completely.

“So, if prices are moving, they reserve the right to intervene. It started in the US during COVID. There was a lot of expansionist moves but also subsidies.

“All governments deserve that right. And so if for whatever reason the administration has reviewed that it is not the right time to have prices continue to fluctuate given the level of hardship in the country, given inflation, the government has the right to intervene intermittently,’ she stated.

The IMF had in a statement last month said, the federal government has “capped retail fuel and electricity prices” possibly to “ease the impact of rapidly rising inflation on living conditions,” “thus partially reversing the fuel subsidy removal.”

The Breton wood based world body had demanded that the subsidies on petrol and others be faced out ‘completely’.

“For Five Years,You Denied Me Precious Times With My Darling Wife” – Omoyele Sowore To FG As He Departs Nigeria For USA”

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The Source

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March 9, 2024

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“I will be returning to the US after almost five years of my unlawful, unjust and inhuman detention by the corrupt Nigerian political system since August 2019.

I was arrested, assaulted, tortured and detained for demanding that Nigerians deserved a nation that they can truly call their own. I was charged with treason – and after 5 years the APC government was forced to withdraw its trumped up charges against me.

“If the government thought that keeping me detained, and later restricting my movement would break my spirit, and cause me to renounce my commitment to fighting for the downtrodden Nigerian people, they are mistaken.

“In the last five years, I have been denied the ability to visit my family, missing out on precious moments with my darling wife and wonderful children. I lost my brother to gunmen on Nigeria’s roads. My mother’s health deteriorated, due to the emotional toll of the government’s unrelenting assault on my person. My associates have faced arrest, and some imprisonment.

“I stand today to declare that I am unbowed. My commitment to Nigeria is unshakable. My resolve to continue to fight for the betterment of the Nigerian nation and to demand accountability from her leaders will never be compromised.

“Everything we said five years ago about the need for a radical restructuring of the Nigerian nation and the need for a revolution in our approach to politics and governance has come to pass. Corruption remains high and Nigerians are worse off today than they were five years ago. Inflation is making it difficult for people to put food on the table. Nigeria’s currency has been devalued by almost 100%.

“I am under no illusions about what the future holds. I commuted myself to the mission of helping to create a Nigeria that fulfills its promise and realizes its potential, over 30 years ago. I have suffered greatly for that commitment. My family, colleagues, and associates who have stood by me throughout this journey have endured great pain and privations as well.

“For those who wonder what my next steps will be – I say this: I believe now, as I did over 30 years ago when I began this journey, that the vision of creating a just and egalitarian society must be established during my lifetime.

“My trip today to reunite with my children and courageous and supportive wife is only for a short while. I will return to Nigeria to continue my struggle for the total liberation of our people from the shackles of the current corrupt, self serving political class. I will also be returning to face headlong, the remaining truckload of bogus criminal and civil cases that have been thrown at me since my detention in 2019.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank my family, lawyers particularly Femi Falana SAN, colleagues, and fellow revolutionaries at home and abroad who have stood firmly by my side, against all odds.

“Nigeria will be free. Nigerians will see a nation that is free of corruption, that has leaders whose only interest is in uplifting the people and creating an environment where our people can realize their potential.

“I remain committed to this ideal. It is a commitment that I have dedicated my life to, and my resolve to stay the path and keep on with the fight remains strong!”

Atiku Laments, Says Abduction Of Students, Proof Of Failure In Governance

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 9, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Presidential Election has described the abduction of internally displaced persons, IDPs, teachers and students/pupils in Borno and Kaduna States as a proof of the failure of President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

The former Vice President made this assertion in a statement via his X handle on Friday, following the abduction of over 287 students by bandits who attacked the Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, on Thursday.

In Borno, over 200 IDPs were abducted by bandits from their camp in Ngala LGA on Tuesday.

Atiku said the insecurity in the country is getting worse by the day.

He accused the All Progressives Congress-led Government of failing to ensure the security of lives.

Atiku said: “The media has been awash with terrifying news of banditry, kidnapping, and bloodletting that has turned our country into perhaps one of the most terrorized territories on earth.

“Within one week, there have been many reported cases of mass abduction of hapless citizens in the Northwest and Northeast regions of our country.

“The cases are endless, and the problem seems interminable. The APC-controlled government has failed woefully to give the people the basic things expected of a responsive government.

“It is a clear manifestation of the failure of governance. The government has continued to play the ostrich while the nation is plagued by insecurity.

“While the weak and vulnerable are neglected, the Government is making empty rhetoric about reforms.

“And while our young men are abducted, killed, or conscripted into the army of the terrorists and our women and girls are ravished and subjected to different forms of gender-based violence, the authorities do nothing.

“This is in negation of the constitutionally guaranteed commitment that the security and welfare of citizens are the primary responsibility of government.”

Atiku urged security agencies to rise up to the challenge and save innocent citizens from the horrors of banditry and terrorism.

Nigerian Boxer, Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Ngannou

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 9, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

It took British-Nigeria Born Anthony Joshua just two rounds to knock out Cameroonian Former Martial Art Fighter, Francis Ngannou.

The much-hyped heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw the Nigerian taking on his opponent from the beginning of the fight, dominating and hitting him hard.

Joshua produced a fantastic and powerful display to knock out the former MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their heavyweight clash in Riyadh.

Ngannou stunned the world with a fantastic display to take Tyson Fury the distance in November and was looking for similar against former two-time world champion Joshua.

Much like his impressive display in his boxing debut against Fury, the ex-UFC champ started confidently but stepped straight into a big Joshua right sending him to the canvas in the first round.

Joshua smelt blood and sent Ngannou crashing with another big right in the second round before finishing the job in a matter of seconds with another killer right.

He pummelled and brutalized the Cameroonian with heavy punches and sent him to the canvass.

Public Schools In Cross River Closed Due To Outbreak Of Measles

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Ayodele Oni

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March 8, 2024

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Dr Henry Ayuk Public Schools in Rivers State Closed

By Ayodele Oni

Public schools in Cross River state are being forced to commence second term break due to outbreak of contagious measles.

Already the disease has been reported and confirmed in two schools located in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Henry Ayuk confirmed the outbreak, identifying the two schools as Navy Secondary School and Penniel Primary Schools.

He disclosed that the State Rapid Response Team from the Ministry of Health has been activated and deployed to the affected area.

Already, the authority of the Nigeria Navy School has ordered closure as a result of the outbreak and directed parents to immediately come and pick up their children in the boarding facility.

The statement from the Navy School to parents reads: “Good morning dear parents/guardian. This is to inform you that the school is vacating today due to some prevalent circumstances.

“The second-term academic activities will continue upon the return of the students. The date of return will be communicated.

“Please note that all SS 3 and JSS 3 students are to check for regular updates on WAEC, NECO, and BECE information. To this end, parents/guardians are kindly requested to pick up their children/wards with effect from today Fri 8 March 2024. Thank you and God bless.”

Meanwhile the commissioner stated that “reactive vaccination for children is ongoing in the affected areas and in other local government areas where there are no reported cases.

He said the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is intensifying routine immunization to build up herd immunity.

Warning that Measles is a highly contagious infection, especially among non-immunized children, parents and caregivers are encouraged to respond positively to routine immunization campaigns for their children.

International Women’s Day: Arase Celebrates PSC Women, Tells Them: “Stand Tall, Defy Stereotypes, Break Barriers

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The Source

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March 8, 2024

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As the World celebrates the International Women’s Day today, the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police, says the Commission’s women deserve special recognition for their commitment and selfless Service to the Commission and the Nigeria nation.

Dr. Arase noted that PSC women deserve to be celebrated today for their strength, resilience, contribution and invaluable impact in our determination to reposition and improve policing in Nigeria.

The PSC Chairman who noted that the United Nation’s theme for this year’s International Women’s day ‘ invest in Women: Accelerate progress’ is very apt, disclosed that the Commission has since Commissioned and equipped a creche in its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi Abuja for nursing mothers to give them the opportunity to bond with their children while at work.

He said the Commission will further look into other possible areas that will assist in making their job easier.

He charged the women to remain steadfast in their service to the Commission and the nation.

In line with this year’s campaign team, ‘Inspire Inclusion’ Dr. Arase urged the women to defy stereotype and discrimination and strive to continue to excel in all they do.

“As we celebrate IWD 2024, I charge you to always stand tall, shine like the stars you are, defy stereotypes, break barriers and set new records. Happy Women’s Day ! “

Group Calls For Removal Of Immunity For President, Governors, Urge NASS To Act

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 8, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, under the aegis of the Alliance For The Defence of Niger Delta, ADND, has urged the National Assembly to repeal the law which guaranteed immunity for President, Vice President, Governor and his Deputy from prosecution.

The Group lamented that immunity has been a clog in the wheel of development of the Nation, stressing that the barrier to holding State Governors accountable for misconduct and mismanagement of public resources is marred by the immunity clause.

The Group, in a statement by its leaders, Johnson Mba-Ngei and Sobomabo Ikriko on Friday in Abuja, said that the National Assembly needs to address the situation in earnest.

It added that by eliminating this clause, Governors will be subject to scrutiny and legal action, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance at the state level.

It, also, canversed for urgent constitutional amendments to empower Traditional Rulers and ensure greater accountability among State Governors in Nigeria.

“The call was in response to the pressing need to address Nigeria’s security challenges and enhance governance accountability, as highlighted in a recent article titled “Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN Advocates Empowering Traditional Rulers: A Solution to Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Governance Accountability.”

“The article underscores the insights that traditional rulers are deeply rooted in their communities and possess unique knowledge and influence that can significantly contribute to maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level”.

ADND emphasised the need for specific amendments to facilitate the active engagement of traditional rulers in the security affairs of their domains.

“Strengthening the role of traditional institutions in collaboration with law enforcement agencies is essential for effective community policing and the protection of lives and property in the Niger Delta region and beyond.

“By empowering traditional rulers and ensuring accountability among state governors, we can collectively address Nigeria’s security challenges and foster a more transparent and responsive governance system for the benefit of all Nigerians.

It urges all stakeholders, including lawmakers, government officials, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support these constitutional amendments.

In the Nigeria Constitution, the immunity clause in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, provides a shield for the President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor from frivolous litigation in respect of personal or criminal proceedings that would distract him from the business of governance.

It would be recalled that in 2020, the House of Representatives began moves towards ensuring that the presiding officers of the Senate, House of Representatives as well as those of the state Houses of Assembly enjoy immunity while in office like the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors. It introduced a bill titled: ‘Bill for an Act to Alter Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to extend Immunity to cover Presiding Officers of Legislative Institutions; and for Related Matters’.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Olusegun Odebunmi (APC-Oyo), passed second reading but not without some reservations by some members of the Green Chamber as well as a cross-section of the society.

The Bill seeks an amendment to Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to extend such immunity to presiding officers of the National Assembly. This includes the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, has in crystal clear terms, outlawed legal proceedings against the President and Vice-President of Nigeria and the Governors and Deputy Governors, respectively, of the various States.