TCN, Ondo Primary School Teachers Shun Strike

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November 14, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has distanced itself from a publication which claimed a nationwide electricity blackout was imminent following the industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Recall that many affiliates of organized labour, on Tuesday, complied with the strike directive and suspended their services.

TCN, has swiftly denied that it joined in the strike, stating that there is no truth in a media report about a looming national blackout.

The TCN stressed that the assertion which claimed that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN had predicted a nationwide power outage, is incorrect and deceptive.

In a statement released by the TCN management and posted on its official X account on Tuesday, it was clarified that the Public Affairs Head did not make any such statement.

The statement further revealed that the country’s power grid is fully functional and continues to consistently supply significant electricity to distribution load centres throughout the nation.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading.

“The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such a statement.

“We hereby note that the nation’s grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.

“As of when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo, which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.”

In Ondo state, there are conflicting report on the strike as the organized labour claimed its success, while another report stated that pupils and teachers in primary schools were at school on Tuesday.

In a statement by the State Universal Basic Education Board, it commended teachers especially those in Public Primary Schools across the State for being in Schools doing their jobs despite the indefinite strike called by the Labour to press home their demands.

The Executive Chairman Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB Victor Olabimtan lauded the teachers for displaying uncommon dedication to duty and loyalty to the present Administration.

He enjoined the teachers to continue to do their jobs to the best of their abilities as the government will always prioritize their welfare.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced that members joined the ongoing and indefinite nationwide Strike as directed by the national secretariats of the two bodies.

In a Press Release signed by the State NLC Chairman, Victor Amoko and the TUC Chairman, Clement Fatuase, workers in the State are advised to comply with the strike directive appropriately.

Both NLC and TUC leadership as well as the State JNC Chairman, Ademola Olapade said the strike is basically on issues that affect the attack on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and non-implementation of some agreement reached with the Federal Government aftermath of fuel subsidy removal.

The Ondo organized labour insisted that the strike is not against the Ondo State government, but to protest against impunity in the country.

The leadership called on all affiliate executives to ensure strict compliance with the directive of the national body until the matter is resolved.

Nigeria Army Laments Fake Recruitment Adverts, Vows To Punish Perpetrators

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 14, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Army has lamented the spate of fake recruitment advertisement and Online Portals by fraudsters.

The Army disclosed that the Direct Short Service recruitment advertisements are fake and a way of defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians.

The Army in a statement on Tuesday, by the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, urged Nigerians, especially those interested in joining the Service to disregard the advertisements.

The statement partly reads:

“The Nigeria Army has noted the alarming rate of the spread of fake online recruitment information, particularly regarding the Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Recruitment Portal for the year 2023.

“The NA wishes to state that the false online publication is a deliberate fraudulent effort by some unscrupulous persons to mislead the public.

“Considering the damage these fake online publications could do to the psyche of would-be candidates and the general public, it is crucial to clarify that the fake online Direct Short Service Portal 2023, is a scam and should be clearly avoided.”

Nwachukwu said the Army has commenced the process of arresting the perpetrators of the crime, urging Nigerians to report those portals to the service.

“The NA has already set measures in motion to apprehend those behind the fraudulent portal. Accordingly, members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicious recruitment portal or activities to the NA.

“The NA will continue to remain committed to ensuring a transparent and credible recruitment process through the NA’s established official channels of communication. These channels include the official Nigerian Army website and social media platforms https://army.mil.ng Twitter @HQNigerianArmyFacebook, HQ Nigerian Army and other reputable media outlets.

“It is important to rely on these official sources for accurate and up-to-date information, rather than fall victim to fake recruitment online advertisements. Fake recruitment advertisements will inevitably mislead potential candidates and expose them to the vagaries of fraudulent activities of scammers,” he added.

“The perpetrators of this dastardly act will be brought to book and severely punished”, the statement said.

Jonathan Celebrates Diri, Hails His Governorship Victory, Says Victory For All Bayelsans

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The Source

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November 14, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, has hailed the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on his victory at the Governorship polls.

In the election held on November 11, 2023, Diri, seeking for a second term in office, defeated his closest rival, former Governor of the State/the immediate past Governor of the State, Timipre Sylva. He beat Sylva to a distant second place.

In a statement which Jonathan personally signed and posted on X, he congratulated Diri on his victory, and described the Governor’s victory as “victory for all Bayelsans.”

Diri secured 175,196 votes to beat Sylva who polled 110,108.

Said Jonathan in the post:

“Congratulations to His Excellency @govdouyediri on his re-election as the Governor of Bayelsa State,”

“Your victory at the poll is well-deserved, as it demonstrates the people’s faith in your leadership and reward for years of commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress of Bayelsa.

“Your success confers on you more responsibilities, as the people have, through the ballot, entrusted you with hope and expectation for a better and prosperous future.

“I urge you to reciprocate this confidence reposed on you by the people through this mandate and work for the general good and progress of all Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, clan or community.

“I commend all the candidates for their participation in the just concluded election and for their determination and passion to serve the people of Bayelsa. The victory of one candidate does not translate to a conquest of the other.

“This is a victory for all Bayelsans. I urge all stakeholders to put the interest of the state above personal and political interests. We must, at this time, unite and work towards building a better Bayelsa.

“My dear Governor, your re-election should consolidate the unity and progress of our dear Bayelsa State.

“Finally, I call on the electoral umpire and other stakeholders to take seriously the issues of the off-cycle elections and work towards the improvement of the electoral system and sustainability of our nation’s democracy.”

Samdaddy Resumes As PDP National Secretary, But Stopped By Abuja High Court From Parading Self As One

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The Source

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November 14, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Smarting from the technical knockout given to him at the Governorship polls of the November 11, 2023 in Imo, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate, has been given another technical knockout by an Abuja High Court.

Anyanwu, popular as Samdaddy, resumed as the National Secretary of the PDP, on Tuesday, after his Governorship defeat and was welcomed by his staff.

But an Abuja High Court stepped in and poured cold water on his joy on resumption.

The Court asked him to cease parading himself as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Justice M. M. Adamu who ruled on a motion brought by a member of the party, Douglas Nwachukwu, filed by his lawyer, F. S. Jimba Esq. dated October 30, stopped Anyanwu from performing the function of the office of the Secretary of the party.

A couple of weeks earlier, a High Court in Enugu had given same order and asked him to step aside as the National Secretary of the PDP.

Nwachukwu had asked the Court for some reliefs which include * An Order of Interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st Defendant (PDP) whether by itself, National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, servants, agents, privies or any other person howsoever described from recognizing, accepting or dealing with the 2nd Defendant (Anyanwu) as the Nation Secretary of the 1st Defendant pending the determination of the substantive suit.

*An Order of Interlocutory injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant from parading or acting as the National Secretary of the 1st Defendant pending the determination of the substantive suit.

After listening to the argument, the Court held that:

*”That this application succeeds and the Orders are hereby granted as prayed.

*”That an Order of Interlocutory injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent whether by itself, National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, servants, agents, privies or any other person howsoever described from recognizing, accepting or dealing with the 2nd Defendant as the National Secretary of the 1st Defendant pending the determination of the substantive suit.

*”That an Order of Interlocutory injunction is hereby granted restraining the 2nd Defendant/Respondent from parading himself or acting as the National Secretary of the 1st Defendant pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

The Court adjourned the case to 24th January, 2024 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Ekiti: Ilawe Community Hands Over 107 Hectares Of Land For Federal College Of Education Take Off

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Ayodele Oni

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November 14, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ilawe community in Ekiti State has donated 107 hectares of land to the federal government for the take off of a college of education.

At the handover of the land, the State Government directed the Surveyor General to perfect necessary documents of the land, which has been surveyed to the federal government.

With the handover of the land, the Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, has formally commenced operations.

Speaking at the occasion, the Alawe, Oba Adebanji Alabi, described the occasion as a fulfilment of a great dream saying “this is a dream come true despite all the vicissitudes.”

Welcoming the delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education Abuja, the Ekiti State ministry of education, as well as all Principal Officers of the Federal College of Education to the occasion, Oba Alabi appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the immediate take off of the Federal College of Education while eulogizing former President Mohammadu Buhari for giving the initial approval.

A statement by media adviser to the monarch, Ajibade Olubunmi, said Oba Alabi added that the struggle by Ilawe community to have the College began in 2016 through series of letters and memoranda to the federal government from him.

Alawe, a former Chairman of Ekiti Traditional Rulers Council, expressed gratitude to those who stood by him and the community in the realization of the Federal College of Education in Ilawe, promising that the community would reciprocate the gesture by giving support in whatever way possible to the government of the day.

“As a grateful community, we will continue to support all the people oriented programmes of the federal and state governments.”

The leader of the federal government delegation, who is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Andrew Adejo, said the establishment of the school was a practical demonstration of the federal government’s determination to expand educational opportunities, and invest in the training of future educators.

The permanent secretary thanked the State government for its support, saying making the institution become a reality by President Tinubu, was an evidence of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Provost of the institution, Dr Ikuejube Ajigbade, explained that the College of Education was a special one, and a two in one school, as it would serve as both a College of Education and University, awarding both NCE Certificate and Degrees.

He explained that “the college would run courses in both Education, Sciences and Technology, while plans are on to also to extend the trend to vocational and allied studies, in order to produce job opportunities for our teaming youths.”

The Ekiti State Governor, represented on the occasion, by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, congratulated the Ilawe community for the siting of the institution and for already making available, a total of 107 hectares of land for its permanent site.

He stated that the site had been surveyed by Surveyor-General, for further necessary action.

The governor said that the erstwhile facility of the Government Girls College, Ilawe Ekiti, which was built by the Federal Government, had also been released for the take-off of the Federal College of Education, pending the adequate development of the permanent site.

NBF Suspends VP Omo-Agege For Impersonation

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Ayodele Oni

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November 14, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, (NBF), Azania Omo-Agege has been suspended.

His suspension has been approved by the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, after he was found guilty of impersonation.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary General of the NBF, Akinyele Oladapo, who explained that Azania Omo-Agege impersonated the President of NBF, and this was confirmed by various African Boxing Federation Presidents.

According to the statement, the suspension was taken at the board meeting held on November 11, 2023, in which he was unable to defend his actions concerning the unauthorized press release/letter to the International Boxing Association (IBA) which embarrassed the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Federal Ministry of Sports and the entire country.

The statement revealed that Azania Omo-Agege forged and printed letterhead of the NBF without approval.

The statement read; “At no time has Azania Omo-Agege briefed or written any report on the outcome of meetings at AFBC and IBA for the action of the President.

“That you failed to utilize the opportunity provided by the board to reconcile you and the President at the last zoom meeting.

“That you constituted yourself as one man parallel body against the majority of the board who affirmed the decision to join the World Boxing body as a step in the right direction for the growth of boxing.

“Your claim to IBA that President of Nigeria Boxing Federation Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah has ceased to be President according to constitution is null and void as well as embarrassing.”

The statement also requested Azania Omo-Agege to withdraw the letter written to IBA on Nigeria, the suit against the World body, issue a press release denouncing the earlier release, write an apology to the President as well as board within 21 days.

NLC/TUC Strike: Business Activities Grounded In Lagos, As Banks, NRC Join The Bandwagon

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 14, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The proposed Nationwide Strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and other affiliate Unions has crippled business activities in some States around the Federation.

In Lagos, the commercial hub of the nation, the nationwide strike was adhered to by some affiliates of the NLC and TUC following the decision of the National Executive Council meeting of the labour unions, held on November 13, 2023, in Abuja, resolving to embark on the strike.

Some Banks in the State were under lock and key, while Rail Transportation was shut down as the National Railway Corporation, NRC, Union followed the NLC and TUC directives.

Segun Esan, the Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, said that the union was involved in the strike and no train was running as a result.

“In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices.

“All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the Congress,” Esan said.

Also, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Mr Oluwole Olusoji, said advice had been sent out to members on compliance.

He said that members had been advised to ensure the safeguard of lives and property from people who might be used to take undue advantage of the situation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Olusoji said.

The Nationwide Strike is as a result of the alleged failure of the Federal Government to address issues affecting workers, such as the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

Also, both Unions had made some demands, which the Government had allegedly failed to address following the recent crisis in Imo that resulted in the alleged brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other members of the labour unions.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress also joined the nationwide strike in compliance with the directives of the national body of the union.

The primary, secondary and tertiary institutions also joined the strike.

It was observed that primary and day secondary school pupils who went to school as early as 7.30 am were compelled to return home as they did not meet teachers in the schools.

It was gathered that the strike has also affected operations in banks, hospitals, and other public places in the state.

Similarly, the Audu Bako State Secretariat, was also closed following the commencement of the strike, even though some workers who were not aware of the strike reported to work in the morning but had to return home later.

It was gathered that Students in Bayero University Kano who are currently sitting for their first semester examination are also affected by the strike as a number of them who went to the examination halls had to return to their respective hostels.

The Kano State Ministry of Education has also suspended the 2023 Secondary Schools Qualifying Examination scheduled to take place today, until further notice.

A statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Kiru, revealed that the suspension is compelled by the industrial action embarked upon by the NLC and TUC nationwide.

The statement, however, appealed to the people concerned, especially students and parents or guardians, to bear with any inconvenience that may be caused by the suspension.

CBN Fails To Stop Naira Scarcity In The North; Spreads To South

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 14, 2023

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has failed to stop the naira scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country despite its earlier promises.

Worried Nigerians told the magazine on Tuesday that the scarcity is gradually spreading across the country, and that the CBN seems not to have solutions to the problem.

In the last two weeks, the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN has assured Nigerians that there’s no need to panic because there’s enough cash in circulation to go around.

The apex bank had in its response to the scarcity in some parts of the north and Lagos early this month blamed the problem on the panic withdrawal by some commercial banks’ customers in anticipation of the festive period.

In a statement signed by the CBN spokesman last week, the apex bank had tried to address the problem, for instance, saying all banknotes issued by the bank remained legal tender.

The response came after reports suggested that the old naira notes are gradually being withdrawn by the CBN in anticipation of the December deadline set by the Supreme Court early this year.

Recall the Supreme Court ruled on March 3, 2023, that the old naira notes of N1,000, N500, and N200 were still legal against the CBN plan to withdraw the old banknotes from circulation to pave the way for new notes.

The apex bank however said in various statements that it has no such plans at the moment.

“The seeming cash scarcity in some locations is due largely to high volume withdrawals from the CBN branches by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and panic withdrawals by customers from the Automated Teller Machines, ATMs),” Isa Abdulmumin, the bank’s spokesman said in a statement six days ago.

“While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country. The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation,” he stated.

The apex bank had earlier on November 1, 2023, issued a similar statement stating “unambiguously that every banknote issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remains legal tender and should not be rejected by anyone, as stipulated in Section 20(5) of the CBN Act, 2007.”

In spite of this, the situation, according to bank customers has remained the same and may get worse in the coming days as Nigerians move to conserve cash in order not to be stranded during the Christmas and New Celebrations.

According to reports from the northern part of the country, cash has become a very scarce commodity in major cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Minna, Lafia, Yola, and Makurdi, amongst others.

Some traders who spoke on the issue said they have been unable to withdraw enough cash from commercial bank counters and ATMs in these cities in the last few days.

Those who have resorted to POS operators for cash withdrawal also have sad tales to tell, as the operators, who after increasing their charges by over 100 percent complained of the unavailability of naira notes.

The situation is also not different in Lagos where cash withdrawals from ATMs have been seriously reduced by all the commercial banks.

For instance, many Deposit Money Banks, DMBs in the state have limited ATM withdrawal to N10,000 from N20,000 which used to be the case.

The development has created more panic among customers who said the situation is likely to spread to other southern states in coming as the festive period approaches.

“The CBN must do more to assure Nigerians that the situation they experienced early this year will not be repeated. If this happens again, the economy that’s already struggling could collapse,” Ola Baro, a bank customer told the magazine on Tuesday.

CBN’s PVS Hampering Our Business- MAN Laments

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James Orji

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November 14, 2023

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The Director General of the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir has disclosed that the introduction of the Price Verification Portal by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is affecting the business of his members.

On August 17, the apex bank announced via a memo the official launch of its Price Verification System portal, following a successful pilot phase and extensive training sessions held with all Nigerian banks.

The CBN memo mandated all applications for Forms M to be accompanied by a valid Price Verification Report, which can be generated exclusively from the newly established Price Verification Portal.

Speaking to Punch newspapers, the MAN DG said the introduction of PVR has worsened the conditions of its members who are struggling under the current economic challenges.

He called for the withdrawal of the regime, stressing that the CBN should focus on revamping the economy rather than issuing policies capable of killing existing businesses in the country.

According to him, the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN should strive hard to ensure the availability of foreign exchange to genuine importers and manufacturers in the country.

The MAN DG said, “We look forward to the reversal of so many unnecessary restrictions that were placed by the CBN. One of them is the price verification portal which for all practical purposes is quite unnecessary.

“It is affecting the businesses of our members who are not able to import raw materials, machines and parts because the prices that they bought do not fall into the threshold of the portal. I think it is limiting businesses. The CBN should discontinue the operation of that portal.

He added, “It is a step that CBN needs to take very urgently so that it does not restrain the operations of the manufacturing sector. Everything that the government should do now is to revamp the economy and not to place unnecessary hurdles to the flow of business.

“What the government should focus on is the adequacy of forex. All efforts should be geared towards that direction and not placing unnecessary restrictions that will only hurt genuine and struggling manufacturers in the country.”

Ogun Police Vow To Deal With Users Of ‘Banga’ During Festive Period

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James Orji

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November 14, 2023

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The Ogun State Police Command has warned residents against the use of fireworks during the festive season.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Command said anyone caught violating the order would be seriously dealt with.

According to the statement issued by the Public Relation Officer of the command, Omolola Odutola, a Superintendent of Police, SP, the warning became imperative due to the serious complaints from some residents, who claimed that the peace is usually threatened by those who use fireworks during the Christmas and New year celebrations.

Complained have been received from places such as Ikenne, Sango Ota, Sagamu, amongst others, the police said.

The statement partly read, “Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since November 1, 2023, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind, triggering anxiety of residents especially amid security concerns expressed by residents in Ogun State

“Following these reports of apprehension before the Ogun State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, has henceforth declared a ban on indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State, upholding the distressing complaints from residents and the community about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks, that residents have been throwing causing sleepless night, constant terror from the deafening bang of these dangerous explosives.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware that displays of fireworks are deeply ingrained in tradition as an essential preparation for the end-of-year celebrations.

“Residents are enjoined to respect the privacy and quiet of other neighbours. Sequel to the state of security, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, is issuing a stern warning to young persons who may want to flout this directive, does so at their peril and further warns that ‘banga’ is criminalised , as punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.”

Meanwhile, not a few residents said such orders are usually not enforced by the police who normally look away when some unscrupulous elements throw ‘Banga’ at other residents, particularly during the cross-over New Year services in churches across the country.