2024 Budget: Obi Decries ₦20.5b Proposal for VP’s House, Says It’s Not A Priority

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December 5, 2023

The Labour Party Presidential flag bearer in the February 25, 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, has again lamented the quantum of waste going on in the APC administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Obi who had just chastised the regime for the large size of over 1400 delegates it took to COP28 as wasteful, again lampooned the administration for proposing over ₦20b for the renovation and building of a new office space for the Vice President.

The LP standard bearer said he is still studying the ₦27.5 trillion budget presented to the National Assembly last week, but could not wait to wonder at the level of waste on nonessential things when the people are suffering and dropping into multi-dimensional poverty in droves.

Reacting in his X handle on Monday Obi said “Even as I am still studying the 2024 fiscal budget as presented to the National Assembly last week, I cannot wait as am compelled to ask what is exactly wrong with us as a country.

‘I ask this question because it is hard for me to understand some of the recent happenings in our nation, in these critical times.

‘The recent news about a budget provision of ₦15 billion for the construction of a new residence for the Vice President is both shocking and disheartening, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.

Obi recalled that “Just recently in the Supplementary Budget, the sum of ₦2.5 billion was included for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence in Abuja, which means that he already has a residence. Again, during the budget presentation, I heard the sum of ₦3 billion was allocated for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence in Lagos. If we total all these sums, we would have budgeted the sum of N20.5 billion for the housing of the Vice President at this critical time when we are not just the world’s poverty capital, but more people falling into poverty, with so many Nigerians not knowing where their next meal will come from”

“Our health facilities have collapsed, and unemployment is skyrocketing. I am convinced that 99.9% of Nigerians can only dream of living in the current residence of the Vice President.

The LP standard bearer also noted that ‘ Several people employed in the universities are not being paid. Just to give an example, the salary of a professor in a Nigerian university is about ₦400,000, which without removing tax is about ₦5 million a year. What we have budgeted for the housing of the Vice President who is already luxuriously housed is, therefore, the annual salary of about 3000 professors!

“This is the finance needed to develop the much-needed human capital.

“The budget of N5 billion for student loans, which is yet to be disbursed is only a tiny percentage of the cost of the Vice President’s new home.

According to the former Anambra state Governor, “We are projecting to use four times the amount for educating ALL Nigerian indigent students to house the Vice President, and we are being told there is nothing wrong with us”

“I am sure the major teaching hospitals in Nsukka, Lagos, Ibadan, and Zaria did not receive this much capital vote in the budget this year.

“We have had leaders that were exemplary in the past. Most Nigerians may not know that the popular 1004 flats in Lagos, was land allocated for the building of a Presidential Mansion for the then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed but he “sternly turned down the offer and instructed that the land should be used to build blocks of flats for civil servants. That is the kind of sacrificial leadership worth emulating.

“Our leaders must therefore stop the recklessness and insensitivity to the plight of the masses. We need leaders who show compassion and are willing to sacrifice for common progress and development. Such compassionate and frugal leaders are critical in our journey to the New Nigeria”

Nobody Can Intimidate, Harass Me – Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu

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Ayodele Oni

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December 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Deputy Gcovernor, Philip Shaibu, has said the University of Jos (UNIJOS), positively impacted its alumni with the spirit of boldness and courage to face life challenges.

The Deputy Governor made the assertion at the reunion dinner of UNIJOS, which held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Shaibu has been having a battle with Governor Godwin Obaseki over his governorship ambition, which he unveiled last week.

Shaibu reeled out his achievements as a former student and alumnus of the University in several areas of his professional and political endeavours.

According to him: “the University of Jos gave us courage and the spirit of boldness. Anywhere we are, we are always courageous and bold to speak to power.

“Once upon a time as a student, I was speaking truth to power at the highest level. I spoke to Abacha and he listened. I spoke to Obasanjo, he listened and the 789 rusticated students from various higher institutions were reabsorbed.

“Obasanjo equally suspended autonomy on the nation’s public universities and increased National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) allowances from N3,000 to N7,500, as at that time.

“I am used to intimidations and I derive carbohydrate from it which sustains my courage and boldness.

“Let me now formally notify you as my first constituency that, I have declared my intention to run for the Office of Governor of Edo State in 2024. I need your prayers and support which are very important. I will be hosting you next year.”

The group, while reacting to the gesture, thanked the Deputy Governor for his courage and determination to throw his hat into the ring. They described his aspiration as a divine project that requires continuous support.

The end of year luncheon was put together by UNIJOS Alumni Association, Edo State chapter, to interact with members, that have distinguished themselves professionally and made significant contributions to nation building.

Ondo: Alleged Forgery Of Gov Akeredolu’s Signature Under Investigation – SAN

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Ayodele Oni

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December 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kayode Ajulo, has accused some Cabinet members in the Government of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, of being the brain behind alleged forgery of the Governor’s signature.

The State Commissioner for information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, had, last week dismissed the rumour that the Governor’s signature was being forged on some documents, and insisted that Akeredolu still personally goes through them before appending his signature.

But Ajulo, an indigene of the State insisted that “I have it on good authority as a lawyer. Some of the Commissioners, about five of them, sent memos to the Governor, and they all returned with approval.

“Going through the approval compared to what the Governor had approved when he was hale (sic) and hearty, there are notable disparities in them.

“The Police and Administration of Justice Act has made it clear that there can be private investigators into the issue as such, and they have been contacted, but their results after the investigation are so damning.

“The purported signature is not from the Governor. It is so apparent.” He also alleged that the cabals were signing documents on behalf of the ailing Governor.

Ajulo made the allegation when he appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Monday.

He pointed out that it was not possible for the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over from the Governor since power has not been transferred to him constitutionally.

This, he said, has given the cabals the opportunity to hijack State Governance.

The lawyer maintained that the doctrine of necessity, which allowed the deputy governor to take over the reign of power till the governor resumes should be activated.

Ajulo noted that there is a presumption that the Governor is incapacitated, adding that the only way to counter that is to present him (Akeredolu).

“Why are some people sitting on the provisional constitutions? It is obvious that some people are holding the State by the jugular and using the present situation to loot the State’s wealth.

“DSS recently has been going around. Other security agencies should embrace the same. Questions bordering on the missing N7.5 billion in the State should be asked, and who gave the approval should not be left out.

“The Governor owes it a duty to speak with his people if he can since his health status is being funded with the same taxpayers’ money, or he should do the necessary constitutional duties, which is to delegate power to his Deputy.

“His Deputy was selected by him and possibly his party members before he ran for office. I don’t think he would have selected someone he had no trust in.”

President Bola Tinubu last week waded into the political crisis rocking the state, and asked the opposing factions to embrace peace and maintain the status quo.

Nigerian Army Admits Bombing Village In Kaduna, As Airforce Denies Incident

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Ayodele Oni

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December 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kaduna State Government has confirmed Sunday night’s bombing at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government area of the state which left several citizens dead and others injured.

Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State confirmed that the State Government has held a meeting with top Security Heads in the State over the incident.

However, at the meeting with Heads of Security Agencies on Monday, in Kaduna, the Nigerian Army has owned up to the incident.

In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance Heads of Security Agencies , Religious and Traditional Leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.

The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists, that inadvertently affected members of the community.

The Deputy Governor at the end of the closed door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the Government and People of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.

As at the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts were still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government.

Exonerating the Air Force which had earlier been accused of carrying out the operation, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, in a statement stated that “the news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false.

“Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.

“Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria. It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.”

“However, the Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state, was allegedly bombed by a flying object and killed locals who were attending a religious ceremony on Sunday night.”

“We were celebrating Maulud when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 30 people,” a local alleged.

FG Approves Recruitment Of 200 Medical Practitioners For Ogun State, As The ‘Japa Syndrome’ Persists

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the increase of the brain drain syndrome in the Health Sector, which has taken a toll on the services of Federal Medical Centers, FMC, the Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 200 medical and clinical staff at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The recruitment became necessary following the promises of the Federal Government to place premium on the Health Sector and the well-being of Nigerians seeking medical attention.

It is also part of Government’s efforts to replace health workers who have migrated to foreign nations from the FMC Abeokuta in recent times.

It would be recalled that Punch Newspaper in an interview with the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, Jimoh Saheed, had earlier said that in the last four years, the FMC in Abeokuta had lost about 50 consultants and 150 resident doctors to the “japa syndrome.”

The approval to employ the new staff was contained in a letter from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation and addressed to the FMC Medical Director on November 24.

The letter marked, HCSF/SPSO/ODD/E&WP/650361, was in response to a request by the medical centre to employ more staff, and it was titled, ‘RE: Application For A Waiver To Employ Staff At Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta’.

“I am directed to refer to your letter ref. no. SMH.587/S.26/T/73 dated 31st August, 2023 on the above subject, and convey the approval of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for a waiver to enable Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, to fill a total of Two Hundred (200), positions,” the letter partly read.

The FMC was granted a waiver to employ 100 medical staff on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; 50 nursing officers and 50 nursing superintendents on Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

This approval, it was said, “is based on and limited to the 2023 Approved Establishment position of the Centre which covers the proposed recruitment.”

The Ogun FMC was however advised by the letter to “obtain the clearance of the Budget Office of the Federation in line with the provisions of the extant circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before the recruitment; and to adhere to extant rules including the Federal Character principle while filling the vacancies.”

Confirming the approval was the spokesman for the medical centre, Segun Orisajor, who said the recruitment of new doctors and nurses would help in addressing the issue of staff shortages occasioned by the so-called Japa syndrome.

“Yes, it is (authentic). The Medical Director, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu quite appreciates the Head of Service of the Federation and Ministers of Health for the kind gesture which will go a long way in reducing the heavy burden on the few hands on ground due to the Japa syndrome,” Orisajor said.

Crisis Over UNICAL’s 100 Percent Increment Of Tuition Fees

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

There is brewing crisis at the University of Calabar, UNICAL, Cross River State, following the announcement of a 100 per cent increase in the tuition fees for undergraduates of the Institution.

The Management of the Institution had on Monday through its spokesman, Effiong Eyo, said the upward review of the fees was taken at an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate on Friday.

The release disclosed that the implementation of the upward review will take effect in the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 academic sessions.

The increment means that freshers, returning students, and final-year students for the non-science courses are expected to pay N111,000, N91,500, and N114,000, respectively.

In addition, they are also to pay N36,500, N21,500, and N21,500, respectively, as third-party dues.

Similarly, fees for science courses were increased to N155,000, N125,000, and N148,000, respectively, for freshers, returning students, and final-year students.

Likewise, they are also to pay N38,500, N21,500, and N21,500, respectively, as third-party dues.

Following this development, it was gathered that the Students Union Government, SUG, of the Institution are currently brainstorming on the next line of action, as they weren’t consulted by the Management before the sudden increments in the Tuition Fees which doesn’t augur well with the Students.

It would be recalled that Prior to the increment, tuition fees for an average student, depending on the department, were N64,050 for freshers, N52,050 for final-year students, and N49,500 for returning students.

The 100 Percent increment will no doubt have an adverse effect on the Students due to the present economic situation of the country.

The management noted that the increment was necessitated by the current economic realities and the need to maintain the academic standard the university is known for.

President Tinubu Has Turned Climate Change Summit In Dubai To Jamboree – Atiku

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Ayodele Oni

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December 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has observed that President Bola Tinubu is not in tune with the economic reality confronting Nigerians.

This was Atiku’s reaction to the supposed large crowd that accompanied the president to the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria has over 1,400 delegates at the conference, a development that has drawn the ire of the citizens who have constantly been admonished to make sacrifices and tighten their belt.

But the Presidency has clarified that most of Nigerians at COP28 Climate Change summit in Dubai represent other groups and organizations who are not, financially, the responsibility of the Nigerian Government.

Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu over his huge entourage, saying the action of the government is at variance with the reality of the nation.

Atiku made his position known on the contentious issue in a statement by his spokesman, Paul Ibe.

He pointed out that Tinubu turned the global change summit into an ‘Owambe’ all-comers jamboree with his large entourage.

The former vice president noted that Tinubu was disconnected from the severity of the economic ruin that Nigeria is facing due to his failed economic policies.

According to him, the COP28 summit is about improving lives, clean air and water, and healthy food for all people, nature, a safe and secure future, and not for a jamboree party.

“How will the head of a government turn a conference of climate change to a jamboree, all-comers and ‘owambe’ party of over 1,400 delegates? It is ridiculous and a confirmation that he is still in a slumber as far as governance is concerned.

“The economic dire straits that Nigeria is facing demand that its leaders cut their coats according to the cloth available. It makes no sense for us to continue to borrow money to throw a street party outside the country.

“The leader of the Nigerian delegation should be reminded: COP28 UAE is about improving lives, about clean air and water, healthy food, for all people, for nature, for a safe and secure future, and not for a jamboree of over 1,400 Owambe delegates.”

Imo: “How We Arrested The Killers Of Police DPO In A Harvest Of Criminals, Arms, Ammunition” – CP Aboki Danjuma

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The Source

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December 4, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

The Imo State Police Command is celebrating its breakthrough in the daring attack and killing of Police personnel in the State.

In the past few days, the State has been under tension over the killings of innocent citizens in the Mbaise Area.

First, it was the murder, by gunmen, of a Ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in his house. This was quickly followed by the gruesome murder of a Traditional Ruler, HRH, Eze Joe-Benz Ochulor of Otulu Amumara, Mbaise, Ezinihitte Local Government Area. He was abducted from his Palace on November 25 while he was eating. Hours later, his decapitated body was seen dumped along the Mbutu-Chokoneze Road.

Then, the gunmen carried their battle to the Police about 24 hours later. They attacked a Police detachment at Ahiara junction which was, allegedly, waiting to lead the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, to the scene of the murder of Eze Ochulor.

During the attack, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ahiara Police Division and an Inspector paid the supreme price in defence of their Fatherland.

However relief came the way of the mourning Imo State Police Command when CP Aboki Danjuma announced the arrest of the killers of the Police Officers.

The CP made the announcement on Sunday December 3, 2023 at a Press Conference where he paraded the alleged killers.

He told the story of the difficult and daring operation which led to their arrest. Venue of the Press Conference was the Imo Police Command Headquarters.

CP Danjuma’s words:

“Good afternoon gentlemen of the press, I warmly welcome you to this press briefing and parading of criminal suspects.

“Imo State Police Command under my leadership has continued to intensify its effort to provide maximum safety and security for ‘Ndi Imo’ as the State has been relatively peaceful. However, last week the Command was faced with some security challenges particularly at the Mbaise axis, by IPOB/ESN Terrorists leading to the death of a Traditional ruler in Ezinihitte Mbaise, a party ward chairman, DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police.

“These prompted me to convene a crucial meeting with Inter-Agency Security chiefs in the State aimed at rolling out collaborative operational strategies that will assist in bringing the assailants to book. I directed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to go all out in synergy with other sister security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attacks.

“The unwavering dedication and persistent efforts of the courageous operatives yielded results as I have before you today a total of 25 male Suspects arrested for various criminal cases ranging from IPOB/ESN Terrorism Activities, Armed Robbery, Murder, Stealing/Receiving Stolen Properties, Cultism, and Unlawful Possession of firearms and Ammunition.

“These are suspects that are evidentially linked to the respective case against them. While other miscreants were neutralized in a fierce gun battle that ensued between them and the police.

“In the course of investigating the aforesaid cases, a total number of 20 Assault Rifles including, 5 AK 47 rifles, 6 Pump Action guns, 9 locally made pistol and one Barrera pistol and a total of 359 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, were recovered from them. Also recovered from these suspects include; six vehicles were recovered, (3) Motorcycles, Charms, IPOB/ESN vest/insignia, Military camouflage, police vests, and other incriminating items.

“I will give you insights into some of these cases starting with:

BURSTING OF IPOB/ESN TERRORISTS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN THE KILLING OF DPO AHIAZU MBAISE AND INSPECTOR, RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION.

Following the murder of DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police on 27/11/2023, at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu Mbaise by disgruntled elements suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the subsequent confessions of suspects arrested at the scene by Police operatives in synergy with the Military, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit on 29/11/2023 stormed the camp of the criminal syndicate at Umuohie in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, dislodged the terrorists, recovered two automatic pump action riffles and six rounds of life cartridges.

The determined operatives continued their operation in search of the fleeing terrorists, storming Igbodo-Etche in Rivers State through a Technical Intelligence Tracking Device wherein a native doctor named Everest Agbaragam ‘m’, 62 yrs, of Umuoma, Igbodo, Etche Rivers State AKA Mount Everest was arrested. On searching his shrine one pump action gun loaded with 12 rounds of live cartridges, one big bag containing various denominations of Biafran currencies, one live crocodile, and fetish items were recovered.

“On interrogation, he confessed to being a member of IPOB/ESN. He stated that he usually prepares local bulletproof charms popular known as ‘Odeshi’ for his cohorts before they embark on any operation. He provided useful information to the gallant operatives in storming Umuogwu Forest in Aboh Mbaise LGA on 1/12/23.

“The terrorists on sighting the Police, engaged them in a gun battle but were subdued by the combat-ready operatives who professionally maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire. In the ensuing gun duel, some of them were neutralized while others escaped into the tick forest with bullet wounds.

“The terrorist camp was dislodged and the following exhibits were recovered; 1. Five (5) AK-47 riffles, 2. Six (6) magazines containing two hundred and twenty (220) live ammunition, 3. Six (6) pump action guns, 4. One hundred and twenty-one (121) rounds of live cartridges, 5. One Revolver, 6. Four (4) locally made pistols, 7. Three Toyota Venza Cars, including the one they used in attacking the DPO, One Toyota Highlander SUV, and IEDs.

“An intense manhunt is ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects. They will be arraigned in court upon completion of a comprehensive investigation.

“2. ARREST OF NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS:

“Intelligence-led investigation and data tracking analysis by operatives of the Command’s Quick Intervention (QIT) Squad led to the arrest of two notorious armed robbery suspects namely; Isreal Ikoma, ‘m’ 40yrs, and Bright Chimezie ‘m’ 42yrs, involved in a case of stealing one Lexus 330 ES Jeep.

“The suspects were nabbed on 28/11/2023 at Rumokoro in Rivers State in possession of the vehicles. They have made confessional statements that will assist the determined Police operatives in arresting other members of their criminal syndicate at large. They will be arraigned in court upon completion of a Comprehensive Investigation.

“3. In a related development, Operatives of the QIT squad in close synergy with Akokwa Vigilantes swiftly responded to an actionable intelligence received from a concerned citizen that IPOB/ESN members were sighted at Orie Akokwa market moving in a motorcycle and tactically mobilized to the scene. On sighting the operative the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel by were overwhelmed by the stiff resistance and professionalism of the determined operatives, forcing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries. On combing the scene the following items were recovered, 1. Red Qlink Motorcycle, 2. A bag containing 40 pieces of T-shirt, 3. 49 Hand Gloves/face mask, 4. Six Ankle Protector, 5. Four Expanded Rocket Launcher Ammunition, 6. Mopol Uniform, 7. Ammunitions, and 8. Charms.

“4. NEUTRALIZATION OF ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS:

An intense follow-up to a distress call received from a concerned citizen that armed robbers numbering about five, operating with unmarked motorcycles were robbing the shop of Ugorji Chimeeucheya ‘m’ along BSC road Orlu, operatives of Orlu Divisional Headquarters swiftly mobilized to the scene engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. In the process, one of the hoodlums was neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“On searching the suspect and the scene, one unregistered KDH King Motorcycle, one cut-to-size double barrel gun, and three live cartridges were recovered. The lifeless body of the neutralized hoodlum was recovered and deposited at IMSUTH Mortuary, Orlu. Efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects and make them face the full wrath of the law.

“5. ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER/RECOVERY OF A BARRETT PISTOL

On 25/11/2023 at about 21000hrs, Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit Owerri while on surveillance patrol within Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, through credible information arrested two suspects namely; Obinna Emenue 35 yrs ‘m’ of Duruaku and Obinwanne Umuaka in Njaba L.G.A. of Imo State and one Berretta pistol with three rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect. He confessed to being a member of the Armed Robbery gang terrorizing Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas and stated that he was going to meet his gang members for them to embark on Armed Robbery operations that night. The suspects also mentioned his gang members at large. Meanwhile, intense investigation is ongoing for the arrest of his fleeing gang members and the recovery of their arms.

“6. ARREST OF NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT/RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE PISTOL

On 5/10/2023 at about 2020hrs, Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Imo State Command, Owerri while on routine patrol received a distress call from residents of Aladinma Housing Estate, Owerri about the armed robbery activities that had been recurrence attack within the area. On receipt of the distress call, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping unit swiftly swung into action, and navigated to the area, hoodlums on sighting the operatives took to their heels and one of the armed robbery gang members Chinonso Obieshi was arrested, one locally made pistol, and two lives cartridges was recovered from the hoodlum. The suspect confessed to being among the armed robbery gang terrorizing Aladinma and Owerri Municipal Council. Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“7. ATTEMPTED MURDER/ UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM PISTOL

On 19/11/2023 at about 0730hrs, the family of Nnadi, Amaechi, and Nwadike in Umuayalu, Egbu in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State were having a meeting to discuss their family problem emanating from ancestral land disputes. In the process, parties in the meeting argued among themselves which escalated and the suspect Ugonna Nnadi disrupted the meeting, harassed and assaulted the family elders which made the situation tense. The suspect Ugonna Nnadi rushed into his house, brought out a Chief Revolver pistol loaded with live ammunition, and fired which caused commotion, tension, and fear.

“On receipt of the information, Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, swiftly swung into action, gathered intelligence, and arrested the said Ugonna Nnadi. The Chief Revolver pistol with five rounds of live ammunition and one expended shell was recovered from him. The suspect confessed to being a member of the dreaded cult group and stated that he intended to kill the complainant, Chimdi Nnadi. Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing.

“8. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST: ARREST OF A NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL;

Acting of credible intelligence that hoodlums who specialized in POS fraud are in operation at Umukoto Umudibia, Nekede. Operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters in synergy with the local vigilantes mobilized to the scene. On sighting the police the hoodlums took to their heels but were given a hot chase by the determined operatives during which Ifeanyi Anyasodor ‘m’, 23yrs AKA Eluigwe was eventually arrested while Dikachi ‘m’ and other suspects escaped. On searching the suspect, One Baibox, and a suspected stolen POS machine were recovered. On interrogation, he confessed to crime and membership of the Vikings confraternity. Efforts are on top gear to arrest his cohort and bring them to book.

“To this end, I appreciate the officers and men of this Command and other sister security agencies for their display of gallantry and professionalism in achieving this operational feat. I thank the good people of Imo State for their unalloyed support and cooperation with the Police and other sister security agencies.

“Finally, I want to especially appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for his continuous support to the Police in the fight against all forms of violent crime in the State.

Thanks and God bless you!”

Polaris Bank Enrolls PAPPS To Ease Customers Cross Border Payment

By

James Orji

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December 4, 2023

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Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail Bank, has enrolled in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, PAPSS. The cross-border financial infrastructure empowers the Bank’s existing and potential customers to execute trade and payments across Africa seamlessly.

The inter-African trade payment gateway is a solution designed to empower those who trade international within African continent, with streamlined, efficient, and secure payment processes.

Speaking on the digital payment gateway, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Global Trade Business, Ayo Adesanya, said the launch of PAPPS underscores the Bank’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to simplify processes for customers.

The Banker added that PAPPS is embedded with several unique key features and delivers immense benefits for the Bank’s current customers and prospects. These features include seamless transaction management; meaning merchants and those involved in regional trade can now initiate and track cross-border payments within a single, user-friendly platform.

“The payment gateway offers a centralized hub for managing transactions, and hitherto multiple currency exchange systems. This feature reduces currency exchange risks and associated costs, ultimately benefiting our customers’ bottom lines.” she further disclosed.

PAPPS also bolsters compliance and security as the payment gateway incorporates robust security measures to safeguard sensitive financial information, ensuring that transactions are executed securely and in compliance with international regulations.

“Polaris Bank signing up to PAPPS, developed by AfreximBank, is poised to ease international trade by simplifying payment processes, reducing risks, and enhancing efficiency. It empowers businesses to seize new opportunities in the continent and regional marketplace,” the Group Head stated.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022, 2023 by Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. It also emerged as the Best MSME Bank of the Year in 2022 and 2023 because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.

DSS Foiled Coups In Nigeria; Bichi Is Patriotic, Says Fani-Kayode

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 4, 2023

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Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation has revealed that the Department of State Services, DSS, foiled a number of would-have-been military coups in Nigeria.

The former Minister said the DSS under the leadership of the urbane Yusuf Magaji Bichi has been greatly instrumental in containing insecurity in the country, most of them, unknown to the public.

Fani-Kayode reacted to a recent report that the DSS boss looted “staff subsidy grant” from the Federal Government. Jackson Ude, a blogger raised the allegations, which have been dismissed by a number of people as nonsense, in one of his reports.

Fani-Kayode’s reaction was contained in his verified twitter handle on Sunday.

The DSS has vehemently denied the allegation in a statement issued by its Director of Information, Dr, Peter Afunaya, at the weekend.

There is no such fund, Afunanya said, and emphasised that if there was, Bichi, an acclaimed welfarist, would have immediately, ordered its disbursement to personnel.

Reacting, to Ude’s report, seen by many as sponsored, Fani-Kayode dismissed it as totally false. He challenged the sponsor of the report to prove the allegation.

Fani-Kayode who described Bichi as a “decent man and dedicated servant of Nigerian state,” challenged Ude “To come to Nigeria to go to the courts to prove all he has said against,” the DSS boss.

According to him, the DSS boss is a patriotic Nigerian, who alongside other security agencies has defended democracy by frustrating the efforts of terrorists to destroy the country.

He said Bichi should be celebrated for fighting corruption rather than being vilified on allegation that cannot be substantiated.

He said, “If he (Ude) chooses to come, once on Nigerian soil, I will personally guarantee his safety.

“Permit me to add the following. Had it not been for Bichi and his DSS, Boko Haram and ISWAP would have taken Abuja years ago and democracy may well have been brought to an end by mutinous soldiers during the tenure of @MBuhari.

“He, in collaboration with the leadership of the other intelligence agencies and the military of those days, exposed and thwarted many coup attempts and ensured that the Islamist terrorists were repelled and contained.

“For this his laudable efforts in the fight against corruption and so much more, we should commend him rather than vilify him.

“I urge my brother @jacksonpbn to sheath his sword and view this matter from the prism of patriotism rather than partisan politics.

“Anyone that knows him well will tell you that Bichi is not a politician and neither does he play politics.

“He is a total and complete professional and a deeply religious man that is completely committed to democracy and the stability of the Nigerian state.

“I am proud to say that there are some institutions and individuals that are still worth defending in Nigeria. Bichi and the DSS are amongst them.”

For the records, Ude lives outside Nigeria from where he has been posting his often unsubstantiated reports on sundry issues that affect the country.

His recent obsession with the DSS and its Boss is seen by many as “not ordinary.”