Ibadan Blast Dangerous For Yorubaland, Says Gani Adams

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January 20, 2024

Gani Adams, the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, has charged Governor Seyi Makinde on the urgent need to find those responsible of the explosion in Ibadan, the state capital this week.

Adams said such blasts could spread to other parts of the South west if nothing concrete was done.

On Tuesday, multiple explosions rocked Bodija part of the ancient city killing at least six persons, leaving more than 100 others seriously injured.

The blast which occurred around 8 pm has also left several destroyed buildings dotting the landscape of the capital.

Prominent Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Godswill Akpabio have reacted to the incident.

The state government said the explosion was caused by some explosives stored by an illegal miner in one of the buildings in the area.

In his reaction, contained in a statement released by Kehinde Aderemi his media assistant, the Yoruba leader urged the state government to get to the root of the incident, by ensuring that those responsible are arrested and made to face the law.

More should be done by the state government to contain the activities of illegal miners, who he described as a threat to the lives and property.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, the story of the Ibadan explosion had left many questions hanging in the balance. It was a security threat to the state, that is why it is important for governor Seyi Makinde to fish out those behind the incident and bring them to book.

“It is very unfortunate that the death toll is rising by the day and victims of the unfortunate incident are in the various hospitals recuperating.

“The extent of the damage in the area was great involving many houses. And going by the statement and assurances of the governor, I think a case of such multiple damages should not be treated with levity. Ibadan is the political headquarters of the Southwest region and anything that affects Ibadan naturally has spiral effect on other states in the south west.

“So, the Oyo state government should leave no stone unturned by making sure that perpetrators of the dastardly act didn’t go scot-free,” Adams stated.

Akwa Ibom: Akpabio’s Quest To Take Over Oil Rich State

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 20, 2024

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state threw a red carpet for Godswill Akpabio to welcome him to the state following his emergence as President of the Nigerians Senate in June last year.

The event, many thought, was organized by the state governor to show that he’s in a rosy relationship with Akpabio, the nation’s number three citizen.

But with what is now playing out, Akpabio’s appears to have sent a strong signal to the governor that he’s prepared to lead his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to dislodged Governor Eno’s party, Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, from power in the oil rich state, in the next governorship election in 2027.

Governor Eno swept to power last year through the assistance of his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel who had a stormy relationship with the senate president, a former political ally, on whose wings he also rode to office few years before.

The incumbent may have been set up for a similar power struggle by Akpabio who declared on Friday that his party has its eyes set on the government house.

Speaking during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, Akpabio stated that it is an aberration for an opposition party to be in charge of the state.

He served Governor Eno a notice of the imminent takeover of the state by the APC, whose members, he said, are prepared to unite for the onerous task of winning the governorship in a few years times.

Akpabio said, “I’ve mandated the Chairman of the party to set up a reconciliation committee in the state, we have to bring our members together. If we are united, there is no barrier that we can’t break.

“I pray against confusion among my leaders not in Uyo alone but in all the senatorial districts, we must reconcile among ourselves.

‘’It will be an aberration for the number three citizen not to have a governor from the same party at the end of an election.

“You know wherever the senate president is, that is where the party is.

“Is it possible that Nigeria will give Akwa Ibom the number three citizen and at the end of the election, it will not produce an APC governor.

“So, I didn’t know whether you were serious, but in 2027, I want to assure you that we will be more serious.”

Meanwhile, keen watchers of politics in the state informed the magazine that the ruling PDP must do more to retain power even though the party is more entrenched in the state.

Akpabio, according to them has a track record of springing surprises.

Relocation Of FAAN Headquarters From Abuja To Lagos, AYCF Kicks

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 20, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The decision by the Federal Ministry of Aviation to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja to Lagos Capital drawn the ire of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF.

The body has strongly kicked against the relocation of some key departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters to Lagos. It said the relocations undermine the status of Abuja as the Nation’s capital city.

Yerima Shettima, AYCF President, said that the action may have negative implication for the country as a whole, as the move risks undermining national unity, disrupting operations, causing economic setbacks, and perpetuating regional imbalances.

He noted that, Abuja was deliberately chosen as the nation’s capital to promote national unity and decentralise power, warning that, “Any agenda that seeks to tamper with this arrangement will be fiercely resisted by AYCF and its supporters.”

Speaking further, Shettima expressed disappointment with the complicit silence of the Northern elite concerning what he regards as a provocative move.

He said the “Northern elite must not be silent when the political and economic viability of the North is at stake”. Shettima urged “well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this emerging arbitrariness.”

But in response to the AYCF stance, FAAN Management said the decision to relocate its Corporate office from Abuja to its original base, Lagos, was made in the best interest of the country.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiageli Orah, it cited some reasons why the decision is in the best interest of Nigeria. They include lack of office space, and payment of duty allowance, among others.

Orah stated: ”The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria notes the inquiries some Nigerians have made regarding the directive of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, to relocate the corporate Headquarters of FAAN from Abuja to its original base, Lagos, where it has operated for decades until recently.

“FAAN wishes to inform Nigerians that following wide consultations by the new Management of FAAN with stakeholders, which also involved the Unions, it was agreed that this was in the best interest of the Authority and the country for now for the following reasons:

“Those affected by the decision to move the headquarters to Abuja have since returned to Lagos as there is no office space for them in Abuja. It was ill-advised in the first place to move the headquarters to Abuja when there was no single FAAN building in Abuja to accommodate all of them at once.

“Having returned to Lagos, the Authority would be liable to pay them DTA (DUTY TOUR ALLOWANCE) because technically they are working OUT OF STATION as their official posting is to ABUJA. The Minister has decided to stop this waste of public resources and rip-off on the public purse.

“ The other option open to the Authority was abandon the old FAAN building in Lagos to rot away and to use its scarce resources to rent an office space in Abuja for Millions of Naira of public money when in actual fact more than sixty percent of its activities are in Lagos given the huge passenger volume of the Lagos airports. The stakeholders and the Minister decided against that and to save the country this waste.”

She added, ”The Minister has rolled out plans to get concessionaires to build befitting offices for the Authority in Lagos and Abuja and until that is done, the Authority will continue to manage its old building in Lagos that can accommodate all its Directors and senior officials for now.

“Abuja continues to have full operational offices and the Authority has not scaled down operations in Abuja one bit. It is just the technical decision of where the Authority has its ‘corporate headquarters’ that has been taken without affecting the structure of operations as they are for now in both cities.

“In the near future, when befitting corporate buildings have been built for the Authority in both Lagos and Abuja, a final decision will be taken as to the location of the permanent headquarters, depending on the exigencies of the time.”

She, however, assured Nigerians that the Authority would always act in their best interest.

“The Authority wishes to assure members of the public that it will continue to act in the best interest of the public and the country.

“The Honourable Minister is committed to taking decisions that are in the best interest of the country, especially as it concerns public funds and will not yield to ethnic or sectional sentiments that will derail this commitment,” she stated.

Edo Guber Race: MURIC Backs Odion Akhaine For Edo Governorship Race

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 20, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the race for the Edo State Governorship Primaries intensifies, with aspirants jostling for the tickets of their respective Parties, Muslim Right Concern, MURIC, as Socio-Political and Rights Group has thrown its weight behind Prof. Odion Akhaine.

Akhaine who is vying for the Governorship position under the All Progressives Congress, APC, an opposition Party in the State, is seeking for the Party’s ticket in the forthcoming Primaries.

The Executive Director of the Group, Prof Ishaq Akintola said that Akhaine deserves the ticket because of his role as the General Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy, CD, which was in the forefront of the battle to halt military rule in the 1990s, and brought the Democracy we are enjoying today.

Akintola in a Statement said that MURIC is keenly monitoring developments in Edo State, and of particular interest to the Group is Akhaine, who is vying for the position of the Executive Governor of Edo State.

He added that though Akhaine isn’t a Muslim, but I this the wish of MURIC as a body to identify with him and give him solid solidarity in view of the momentous role he played during the struggle to free Nigeria from the vicious claws of military dictators particularly after the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993 election.

The statement reads; “ We are keenly monitoring developments in Edo State where party faithful are getting ready for the gubernatorial election which is billed for Saturday, 21st September, 2024.

“Of particular interest to us in the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is the candidature of Professor Odion Akhaine who is vying for the post of governor in the election.

“ Though a non-Muslim, it is our wish to identify with him and give him solid solidarity in view of the momentous role he played during the struggle to free Nigeria from the vicious claws of military dictators particularly after the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993 election.

“As the General Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) in those days, Professor Odion Akhaine was in the trenches with the likes of Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, Uba Sani and other pro-democracy activists. He also spent time in prison for confronting the military. Odion Akhaine is therefore one of the heroes of democracy in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately today, many of those who fought for our democracy and paid costly prices have been forgotten by those who are reaping the fruits of democracy.

“It is paradoxical that apart from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, we cannot find those who were actually in the trenches in the corridors of power today. In actual fact, there had been near total blackout of pro-democracy activists from the corridors of power from 1999 until the emergence of President Tinubu and Uba Sani in 2023.

“While Tinubu gave critical logistic support to both the CD and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in those days, Odion Akhaine was the engine room of the CD, a dynamic and articulate human rights group that gave the military tyrants sleepless nights by organizing civil disobedience throughout the country.

“It is therefore a matter of necessity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show interest in the candidature of Odion. The camaraderie of human rights activism should come to the fore when we come across those with whom we dodged bullets and those with whom we outwitted ‘tails’ either on the highways or in the streets in those tough days.

“It is for the same raison d’etre that MURIC deems it necessary to speak up for Odion Akhaine. We worked closely with him during the struggle for June 12 and we found him to be a man of character, a man of immense courage, a man of integrity and, above all, a great patriot.

“He may not be a Muslim like us but he is the face of equal rights, fairplay, justice, democratic rule and the rule of law. Odion Akhaine is the embodiment of humanity. We endorse him.

“It is true that MURIC protects Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslims, but our focus goes beyond the promotion of the interests of Muslims alone. We will also go to great lengths to identify with and support men and women of valour, values and character. We will project humanity.

“As the youngest candidate from Edo Central that has only produced a governor who spent just 18 months in office while other zones in the state have produced governors who spent 16 and 8 years, justice and fairness and inclusiveness will be served by picking Odion.

“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo and the good people of Edo State to support the candidature of Professor Odion Akhaine. He is the great treasure without measure that the party cannot afford to lose in Edo State.

“Let us reward those who sacrificed for democracy but have not benefitted from it even after 25 years. As we honour the fathers of the Nigerian nation like Ahmadu Bello, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, let us also honour the heroes of democracy, those who saved us from the wide open jaws of military totalitarianism. Give Odion Akhaine the chance to serve Edo State.”

Nabbed! Abuja Notorious Kidnapper

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 20, 2024

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Chinaza Phillip, a suspected notorious kidnapper operating around Abuja and Kaduna state has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force, NPF.

The Kaduna state police command arrested the suspect two days ago, and later handed him over to the FCT Police command on Friday for prosecution, according to security sources, who claimed that his group has been responsible for the many kidnap cases in FCT and neighbouring states.

The Source magazine had earlier reported the slew of kidnappings in Abuja, which included the abduction of a family of six, and the demand of a N60 million ransom by the daredevil kidnappers, who later killed one their victims because the family failed to raise the sum.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met the nation’s top security brass in Aso Villa during the week, where he gave them a marching other to stop kidnapping by criminals in the nation’s capital.

The president’s meeting comes on the heels of an upsurge in the cases of abduction in the nation’s seat of power in the last few weeks.

Tinubu’s meeting with top security chiefs comes on the heels of a similar ones by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike with security heads in Abuja on how to contain the menace.

The meetings appear to have paid of with the arrest of Phillip who, according to the police had been responsible for some of the abductions in Abuja and the adjoining states.

Confirming the arrest on Friday, FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, a Supriindent of Police, SP, was arrested by eagle-eye policemen who has been on his trail.

Adeh said: “The FCT Police command wishes to confirm the arrest of one Chinaza Phillip, a notorious Abuja kidnapper by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday 18th January, 2024.

“The suspect has been handed over to FCT police Command today being Friday 19th January, 2024, and currently in police custody.”

“We Are Working Tirelessly To Address Kidnapping, Criminal Activities In FCT” – Defence Headquarters, Arrests 76

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 20, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Defence Headquarters has said it has upped the ante in addressing the issue of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The FCT, in the past couple of months, has become the hub of kidnapping in the country, accommodating the abduction of whole families, the gruesome murder of family members, including children, whose families were unable to, or delayed in paying ransome money, and the raking in of hundreds of millions of Naira by the heartless hoodlums.

Amidst strong criticisms of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Security Agencies, especially the Police, the Defence Headquarters said its troops have increased the tempo of their operations in bringing an end to the menace.

Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known in a statement he issued. He said the armed forces are not unaware of the terrible impact of kidnappings on the families of those affected, as it has also stepped up its game in addressing it.

“Indeed, our hearts and thoughts go to their families and loved ones. We also recognize the fear that these kidnappings create among the citizenry, following recent events in the FCT.

“While troops probably don’t have all the answers as at now. citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces are working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation.

“Additionally, troops are synergizing with other security services and stakeholders to investigate and gather more intelligence on these kidnapping gangs, particularly, around the FCT,” he stated.

He disclosed that troops have prioritized the areas of these kidnappings, increased both ground and air surveillance over the areas.

According to him, technologies have also been deployed to more easily detect these kidnapping gangs in their hideouts and enclaves.

Buba furthermore revealed that troops increased the tempo of their operations in order to find, degrade and destroy the terrorist and cohorts wherever they were hiding.

He mentioned that in the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State.

According to him, there have also been intensified night patrols in the Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport road among others.

As regards the operations of the troops within the past one week, he stated that in the North-East, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, on 10 January 2024, eliminated three top ISWAP Commanders in Borno State.

He revealed that operations during the week resulted in the neutralization of 43 terrorists with 76 of them arrested, among other successes recorded.

“The three commanders identified as; Abou Maimuna, Abou Zahra and Commander Saleh with their lieutenants in a canoe, were targeted and destroyed by the air strikes.

“Overall, the operations during the week resulted in 43 neutralized terrorists with 76 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 29 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of One Hundred and Thirty One Million One Hundred and One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N131,101,750.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 81 assorted weapons and 2,150 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: one NSVT AA gun, one GPMG, one PKMG, 36 AK47 rifles, one RPG 7 tube, 2 AGL bombs, 4 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 8 dane guns, 3 short guns, one cut-to-short dane gun, 2 berretta pistols, one damaged AK47 rifle, 2 RPG chargers, wooden stock of AK47 rifles, LMG magazine, 8 bandoliers and 42 magazines,” he stated.

Maj-Gen Buba added,”Others are: 272 belted rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 268 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 557 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special, 1000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, one AA ammo, 74 live cartridges, empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicles, 25 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones, 6 baofeng radios and the sum of N1,266,920.00 only amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 13 boats, 23 storage tanks, 2 barges, 4 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 15 cooking ovens, 2 pump machines and 16 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 139,045 litres of stolen crude oil, 25,115 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of DPK.”

He assured that the armed forces will always be mindful of the threat by kidnapping gangs and terrorist across the country.

“Accordingly, we will continually review our internal processes in order to deal with these threats both now and in the long term.

“The military is determined to give the situation the seriousness it deserves so as to create a safer environment for citizens,” he stated.

Uzodimma Makes First New Appointment, Taps Orjiako As Special Liaison, Abuja

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The Source

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January 20, 2024

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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has made his first new official appointment since he was, on January 15, 2024, sworn-in for his second term in office.

On Friday, the Governor approved the appointment of Dr. Umunna Humphrey Orjiako as his Special Liaison, Abuja.

The appointment is with immediate effect.

Dr. Orjiako, a retired foremost Foreign Service Officer, was a one time Ambassador to Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein with concurrent accreditation as Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations Office and other international organisations at Geneva.

Credited with invaluable global outreach and capacity at high levels of bilateral and multilateral international governance and cooperation, Dr. Orjiako, in the course of his career pursuit, served as Director to four former Ministers in Nigeria – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Joy Ogwu, late Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Dr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN.

An indigene of Ehime Mbano, Imo State, Dr. Orjiako was educated at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the University of Lagos and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, Massachusetts.

He joined the Foreign Service in 1980, worked within and outside the country like Spain, Sweden/the Nordic countries, Belgium/Luxembourg, the United States of America among others, and retired meritoriously after 35 years of service.

Dr. Orjiako is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of Imo State under the able leadership of Governor Uzodimma.

Kidnapped And Rescued Traditional Ruler Kneels Down, Sheds Tears, Touches The Ground With Forehead As He Arrives Palace

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The Source

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January 19, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

An emotional scene played out when His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri arrived his Palace on rescue after a two-week harrowing experience in the hands of kidnappers.

Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, and the immediate past Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers was kidnapped from his Palace on January 7, 2023.

According to reports, Ohiri drove out in the morning of that day with his younger brother, Solomon, who arrived Nigeria from the United States of America to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with family. But as they drove into the Palace, gunmen stormed and abducted them. In the struggle to push them into the operational vehicle, the younger Ohiri escaped, while the hoodlums made away with the Traditional Ruler.

Until Thursday when he was rescued by Police Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, not a word was heard from Ohiri or his abductors. But the Police persevered.

On Friday, an emotional Ohiri arrived his Community and Palace to a rousing welcome. His subjects, in scores, lined the road to the Palace and mobbed the vehicle he was in. They sang. They danced. They hailed him. They called him a hero. “Our king is back. Welcome back our king.”

As he climbed down from the car, wearing a simple green kaftan made of ankara, and without his beads on the neck, hand or leg, with no crown, obviously stripped of all those by his kidnappers, Ohiri was overcome by emotion. He teared up, and cried, and used his hands to wipe away the tears.

Accompanied by the crowd, he stepped into his expansive compound. Then he did the unexpected.

He knelt down in the middle of the Palace, bent his head, and touched the ground with his forehead. It was in supplication to the Almighty God who saved him, and his ancestors who kept him company while he was in the hands of dangerous gunmen.

Insecurity In FCT: “Wike Should Be Held Accountable” – Adeyanju

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 19, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Social Commentator and Activist, Deji Adeyanju has urged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the rising spate of kidnapping and criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The Convener of Concerned Nigerians, berated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, over rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming, and killings in Abuja.

He urged President Tinubu to hold Wike accountable and urgently intervene in the security challenges plaguing the FCT.

Adeyanju in a statement said he is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in recent times.

“The safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, yet the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, bears a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the capital city.

“It is disheartening to witness the attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja. Instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, he was busy blaming Council Chairmen for traveling out of their Area Council just yesterday when he spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself. He has refused to actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT. He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers. This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals”.

Adeyanju stated that the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods, contributed to the current state of insecurity in the FCT.

“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.”

The activist stressed that It is a distressing reality that the poor, who have been neglected and marginalized, have resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.

“The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.”

Urging President Tinubu to wade into the issue, he said, “ I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT. It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles. The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.”

He also urged security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering capabilities and redouble their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in and pursue their dreams and aspirations. That, the protection of citizens should be their primary objective, and they must spare no effort in combating the criminal elements responsible for the wave of kidnappings and killings.

“If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed.”

Speaking further, he said It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people. “The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive.”

Some Of EFCC Officials Take Bribe To Compromise Cases – Chairman, Olukoyede Alleges

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Ayodele Oni

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January 19, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said he is worried and embarrassed because some of his investigators are taking bribes to compromise the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The EFCC boss, said this in his New Year speech to officials at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Describing the situation as embarrassing for the anti-graft agency, he said the Department of Internal Affairs of the Commission has been directed to be more active and vigilant to monitor every staff member in all their engagements.

He warned that corruption among the staff would not be acceptable under his Command, and he would not hesitate to deal with any officer who tarnished the image of the EFCC.

“At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity, and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse.

“The craze and quest for gratification, bribes, and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue.

“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the commission.

“The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more active in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.”

Olukoyede further stated that steps were already being taken to improve the welfare of EFCC officials and bring smiles to their faces.