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“Nigeria Uses Second World War Aeroplanes, Artillery, Jets To Fight Insurgency”  –  Gumi, Asks Tinubu To Negotiate With Terrorists

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Chief Negotiator for bandits and Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has said that the way out of banditry in Nigeria is for the Federal Government to enter into negotiation with the banned group.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to negotiate with dozens of bandits killing and causing mayhem across the country.

Gumi, claimed in a Trust Television interview  that spending billions of naira on weapons to fight insurgency was archaic and a waste of taxpayers money.

The Islamic Cleric emphasized the need for the Government to concentrate on devising non-kinetic strategies of dealing with insecurity.

He said banditry is a social problem which emanated from the age-long farmer-herder crisis across the North, adding that  honest dialogue with the perpetrators could aid in solving the menace.

Reacting to recent military bombardment of Tudun Biri residents in Kaduna State, Gumi said it was high time the military stopped interfering in internal security challenges, adding that the country needed a stronger police force to address issues such as banditry.

“This is not the first time such is happening. The military should fight the military. Tank by tank. Jet by jet. Military should be out of fighting insecurity. We are not fighting Cameroon or Togo.”

“And the jet fighters should not be used on citizens. I cannot imagine any American president, no matter how instructive, would use F16 to bombard Americans. Impossible. He would go down the next day.

“What we need are very good policies. Then stronger policing. That’s where our money should go. All those people should be involved in community policing.

“In every society you have very good people and they are the majority. Nigerians are very humble people; very resilient who can sustain a lot of hardship. So I don’t see why good governance and good policing should be a big deal.

“All the money we spend on buying all these Second World War aeroplanes and artillery and jets to fight insurgency is an archaic way of dealing with this issue. And billions of naira are spent on that.

“Negotiate with these people. Build for them schools and hospitals. Let them have future. Build for them markets. Even the people we call bandits, what they sometimes complain is that they no longer have cattle markets because whenever they establish market, it gets destroyed.”

Ekiti Begins Three Days Of Mourning For Akeredolu As Ondo Obas Say Deceased Left Enviable Record

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State on Friday joined mourners of late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as it declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced this after a condolence visit to the family of the late Governor in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Akeredolu was until his death the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and South West Governors Forum.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode on Friday, declared the three- day state mourning.

All flags at public buildings across the state are to be flown half- mast for the three days of mourning, which commenced on Friday.

Also the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers in a statement signed by its Chairman, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi described late Akeredolu as honest and straight forward

The statement reads, “It is with rude shock that the Ondo State Council of Obas received the news of the passing away of our amiable immediate past Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON which occurred on Wednesday 27th December, 2023.

“Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, during his lifetime was honest and straight forward.

“He was passionate about the infrastructural and industrial development of Ondo State, many of which have started yielding fruitful results.

“Unfortunately, his death has created a big vacuum in the administration of the State. However, the Council takes solace in the fact that he left behind enviable records of achievements and successes which are worthy of emulation and will remain indelible in the minds of the good people of Ondo State.

“On behalf of the Ondo State Council of Obas, I wish to convey to the State Executive Council and the good people of Ondo State my deep condolences on the exit of our highly revered former Governor.

“May God grant the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Rivers Crisis: Abuja Resolution, A Death Sentence – Rivers Elders, Urge Fubara To Be Guided By Constitution

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Notable stakeholders under the auspices of Rivers Elders have told Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to implement the Abuja Resolution on the political crisis in the state.

Rather, the elders advised Fubara to handle the issue constitutionally describing the pact as “a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold.”

President Bola Tinubu had brokered peace between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike over the political crisis in the state with a seven point resolution.

The crisis had led to division in the House of Assembly with 25 members loyal to Wike dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while the remaining lawmakers backed the governor.

The elders who signed the letter to Fubara include former Governors Chief Ada George, Ibim Princewill among others.

Part of the letter states: “We the people of Rivers State do not see any peace in the so called ‘Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation.’

“The Forum commends your Excellency’s honesty and sincerity in accepting that Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation ‘has elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country…’

“Peace can only be practiced in a germane, truthful and just society. In this case, the environment in which the peace was brokered showed no sensitivity to the people’s security, political and social interest.

“Mr. Governor Sir, you stated categorically that you are a principal participant in the

entire saga and the Presidential Peace Proclamation is not as bad as being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it.

“That proclamation is actually a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold. Mr. Governor, you

also stated in your broadcast that the document offers a way and means of peace: PEACE AT WHAT COST?

“Excellency Sir, one of the Arab-Israeli wars was declared over on the lawns of the White House,

believing that the war was indeed over with a declaration that there is peace in Galilee.

“Today we are living witnesses to the facts that the documents signed by the Late Israeli President Menachem Begin, and the Late PLO Chairman, Yasser Arafat, has been shredded into pieces, and there is neither celebration of Christmas nor peace in Bethlehem.

“On this note, we state that you do not place too much premium on the assurances of detractors; rather, be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria you swore to uphold.

“The Forum believes that there could be peace in Port Harcourt and indeed the entire Rivers State if only your Excellency would be circumspect in your actions, measured in your engagements, and have a critical mind in your review of events.

“Therefore Mr. Governor, you have no constitutional or any other legal power to implement the ‘Presidential Peace Proclamation’.

“The message of Christmas is peace in Bethlehem and to the world. We, at this Forum also wish you peace in Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

See full text below.

Gunmen Attack Chris Uba’s Convoy, Kill Police Officers, As Osuji, Emekuku-born  Customs Officer, Is Murdered

By
The Source
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Chris Uba Convoy Attacked

By Charles Igbo

The intimidating convoy of Chief Chris Uba, the strongman of Anambra politics came under heavy attack by unknown gunmen on Friday, December 28, 2023.

The attack took place in Uba’s Uga Community.

Eye witness report said the convoy came under attack at Uga junction when he was on his way back to his sprawling compound.

The heavily armed gunmen who wore Military uniform opened fire on the convoy and sprayed bullets on the fleet of cars. Chief Uba luckily escaped in his SUV bullet-proof vehicle.

However, two out of the number of many Police personnel in the convoy were not that lucky. They were fatally shot by the gunmen, and died on the spot. Others  as well as some passers-by, were injured. The gang operated in a Lexus SUV.

The day was saved by a Police mobile police squad from the Forward Operating Base. They confronted the bandits who escaped in their operational vehicle and  left behind improvised explosives as well as an AK 47 rifle which they had taken from one of the fallen Police officers.

The Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga,  confirmed the story, while the State’s Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has sent condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to arrest the perpetrators of the crime.

In another very ugly development, Don Osuji, a retired senior customs officer, was gruesomely  murdered by gunmen who kidnapped him.

Osuji, from Ezedibia, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, Imo State, was kidnapped a couple of days to Christmas day in Idemili, Anambra State while he was on his way back home from his Badagry, Lagos State. It is not yet confirmed if the gunmen made contacts with the family or not as all kinds of stories were literally flying around but one version said a demand of N100m each had been made on his head and that of one of the relations who was travelling with him. Other family members were released.

However, reports confirm that Osuji’s body was found in a gutter in Onitsha where it was thrown, with his customs ID card placed on his chest.

His community is engulfed in shock and sorrow, asking why such a fate befell on him and the Community.

Food Security: Abuja 200 Metric Tonnes Rice Factory Ready Soon- FG

By
James Orji
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari says the 200 metric tonnes rice mill being set up in Suleja, Niger state will soon be ready for inauguration.

The minister made this known on Thursday when he led some officials of the ministry and Alwan Hassan, managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, BoA, on a visit to the rice factory.

He said the government had set up 10 rice Mills across the country through  Public-Private- Partnership, PPP, arrangement as part of the ongoing effort to make food abundant in the country.

Apart from Suleja which the minister said would soon be inaugurated, there are other ones in Gwagwalada, and eight others across the six geo-political parts of the country.

  

The federal government says the 200 metric tonnes per day capacity rice mill situated in Suleja, Niger state, will be inaugurated soon.

 

In a report by NAN on Thursday, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, spoke about the inauguration when he led directors in the ministry and Alwan Hassan, managing director of the Bank of Agriculture, on a tour to the Mabeli Rice Mill in Suleja.

 

Kyari said the rice mill is a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement with two of its kinds situated in Suleja and Gwagwalada, Abuja — while the other eight are spread across the country, saying food security is among the eight-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that the aim is to end food importation.

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According to the minister, “In the past, we always relied on imported foods but what we have seen today is rice fully grown in Nigeria and processed in Nigeria and can stand with other imported rice.

 

“We are very happy we have our mill production and cultivation of what is being harvested.

 

“We will try to complete and commission this one and the others and we will also look at it in such a way that it will not only be for rice production but also staple foods.

 

“This is to enhance food processing because food quality and food security are important and key to this administration.”

BUA Cement: Abdul-Samad Makes Fresh Promise After Failing To Sell Bag For N3,500

By
James Orji
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Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group has reiterated his plan to sell a bag of cement for N3500.

The business mogul made this known to state House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos on Thursday.

Rabiu had earlier in September this year assured the president that BUA Cement would be sold at a market price of N3,500 instead of the current price of between N5000 and N5,500 by other cement brands.

That promise has failed to materialize two months after, as BUA Cement are still being sold at old price.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the BUA boss said the company would make its cement product accessible at N3,500 by next year despite the current challenges.

BUA Cement would be sold at N3,500 by January 2024, the businessman restated.

“So dependent on the distance and dependent on the location. You know the price changes but we intend to keep that promise,” he said yesterday.

Kano Police Bursts Child Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues Seven Minors

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kano Police Bursts Child Trafficking Syndicate

By Ayodele Oni

Kano state Police Command has announced that it has dismantled an inter state human trafficking syndicate that specializes in abduction, buying and selling of minors.

The Command said that nine suspects have been arrested from among the syndicate, which was operating around Kano, Bauchi, Lagos, Delta, Anambra and Imo states.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel who briefed journalists in Kano, said seven children, mostly minors, have also been rescued.

Gumel, disclosed that “on December 15, at about 3:25pm, a team of Policemen, while on intelligence-led surveillance duties at Mariri Luxurious Park in Kano, intercepted one, Comfort Amos, aged 45 years of Tudun Wada Quarters while transiting to Lagos with a child, named Abdulmutalib Sa’ad, aged 5 years, ‘m’, of Zango Quarters in Bauchi State.

“At the stage of preliminary investigation, four other suspects, Chika Ezugbu, aged 52 years, ‘f of Sabon Gari Quarters, Joy Nzelu, aged 43 years, of Sabon Gari Quarters, Clement Ali, aged 35 years, of Badawa Quarters, and Emeka Ekeidigwe, aged 55 years, of Weitherhead, Sabon Gari Quarters, all in Kano state were arrested.”

The police boss explained that the suspects were separately arrested for being part of the syndicate that is committing the crimes.

He stated that in the course of investigation, it was discovered that the child, Abdulmutalib Sa’ad, was abducted on December 12 from Bauchi State.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspects are in the same cycle of abducting, buying and selling minors from Bauchi and Kano States, trafficking and selling them to people within their racket in different locations in Lagos and Anambra States.

“In addition, two (2) more members of the syndicate were arrested in Bauchi, namely; (1) Ruth Yarima, aged 45 years, ‘f’, of Zango Quarters Bauchi and (2) Abner Samuel, aged 35 years, ‘m’, of Yelwa LGA Bauchi State.

“While one other syndicate member was also arrested in Lagos State; she is Nndemma Obi, indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, aged 59 years, through whom another syndicate member was also arrested at Anambra State; She is Ebere Eriobuna, aged 59 years, ‘f’, of Nnewi.

“This brought the total number of the child on trafficking syndicate suspects to nine (9) among them seven (7) children between ages of 3  and 8 been rescued by the Police.

“It was found during investigations that another victim Mohammed Ilya who was abducted from Bauchi but his named changed to Chidebere was sold recently at Nnewi in Anambra State.

“He has also been rescued. On this, members of the public should be assured that as thorough investigation is ongoing by the police command for justice to be served, Kano residents should know that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state.”

Given the breakdown on how much the children were sold, the CP said “Abdulmutallib Sa’ad, aged 5 years, ‘m’, was abducted from Bauchi, his name changed to Ifenyin Chukwu and sold at N480,000:00, but rescued by the police at Mariri Luxurious Park.

“Asiya Muktar, her name changed to Chioma, sold 480,000 aged 4 years, ‘T. abducted from Bauchi, and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Quarters, Kano.

“Mahmud Bilyaminu, aged 3 years, ‘m’, abducted from Bauchi, re-named Chioma, sold N450,000 and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari, Kano.

“Usman Adamu, aged 8 years, ‘m’, abducted from Bauchi, sold at N450,000:00, and his name changed to Chibuke also rescued at Yoruba Road, Sabon Gari Kano.

“Hafizu Hassan, aged 8 years, ‘m’, abducted from Bauchi, sold at N480,000:00, and his name changed to Uche Chukwu rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano.

“Chiamaka Ambrose, aged 7 years, ‘f’, abducted on birthday at Yelwa Bauchi, sold at N300,000:00, rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano, we are still searching for her parents.

“Mohammed Iliya, aged 5 years, ‘m’, abducted from Bauchi 3 years back, sold at N500,000:00, and renamed as “Chidebere” been rescued at Nnewi, Anambra State.

“Some of these children are cultured and assimilated as they can no longer speak their parents language.”

The CP said the syndicate was dismantled following diligent investigations by the Comman’s dedicated teams of officers, adding that further investigation revealed that the operations of the criminal networks had been in existence for more than 10 years.

Edo Speaker Explains Why Deputy Governor Shaibu’s Budget Was Slashed, Rendered Idle

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly has given an insight into the reason why the Budget for the Office of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, was slashed.

The 2024 Appropriation for the Office of the Deputy Governor was slashed to about 345 million Naira while that of the Secretary to State Government, SSG, Head of Service, HoS, and others were higher. The Speaker said  not much responsibilities would be given to the Deputy Governor in the new year because of his Governorship ambition.

The Speaker, however, dispelled rumours that there was disenchantment among some members of the House as some of them are alleged to be plotting to make the House not peaceful for him.

According to him, “Unlike the other offices like the SSG, HoS and others, the office of the Governor and the Deputy Governor are the same, it is not only in this year’s budget, even in previous years that is how it has been. On this occasion, the Governor stated clearly that since the Deputy Governor has not performed his functions in the outgoing year because of his aspiration, which he recognized to be a huge one and time-consuming, most of his functions were relocated to other offices as the Governor has the powers to do so.

“All of us know that the Deputy Governor doesn’t have constitutional powers bestowed on him except that which is allocated to him by the governor. So most of those things that the Deputy Governor used to do, the governor has removed from him. He has even gone on media to complain that he is no longer working, if you are not doing work, who will now give you money?

“The money is not allotted to you as a personal gift, it is given for work so if you are not working, naturally the money will not come and there is no way you can be working effectively when you are pushing that ambition.

“We are talking about a year where the most part of it, almost 11 months will be on electioneering so how are you now going to function properly as a deputy governor? In his magnanimity, the governor has said, I don’t want to be a stumbling block on your ambition on your route to becoming governor. So you should have your time to pursue your ambition to fruition. So to that extent, he said okay, I’m not going to give you too much function. So if you’re not giving too much function, then not much money will be given to you.”

On the allegation that the office the Speaker got over 19 billion naira, Agbebaku said there was no allocation to his office but what was there is the allocation to the state house of assembly.

Betty, Late Gov Akeredolu’s Wife Goes Down Memory Lane, Says Their Relationship Was Love At First Sight

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi and Betty Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Betty Akeredolu, immediate past First Lady of Ondo state has spoken glowingly about her deceased husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in a post in her page.

Akeredolu succumbed to death on Wednesday after months of sickness related to heart and cancer.

Betty wrote “I met my husband in Enugu, he was a Youth Corper then in Enugu. I was also posted to Enugu. So a friend of mine visited me and she came along with her boyfriend who also came along with my husband.

“That was how we met and it was love at first sight. I think people frown at love at first sight but it worked for us.

“I fell in love with his broad shoulders. Then he was really looking very cute. I can still remember what he was wearing that day – a red shirt, long sleeves and jeans trousers.

“That was 37 years ago. He couldn’t even take me out because he didn’t have money as a Youth Corper. It was quite magnetic and that was it.

“There is a 3-year age difference between us. I am older than him anyway. I was like 25 then while he was 22. It was love that really endured. I had graduated and in my place (Owerri) when a girl graduates from the University suitors come from left, right and centre.

“And your parents would expect you to go for a made- man with everything, but I have always known that there was no way I could have married a made- man. I will better build a home from the scratch with you because I want to have a say in my home.”

Rest On Aketi

Local Councils In Ekiti Are Doing Well – Gov. Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has expressed satisfaction with performance of outgoing Local Government Chairmen in the State.

The governor attributed the performance of the council bosses to the resolve of his administration not to tamper with local governments allocation from the federation account.

Governor Oyebanji, spoke during the end of the year Community Stakeholders Engagement in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

Governor Oyebanji, however said that since coming on board as Governor of Ekiti State, he has been very transparent with the local government funds .

This, according to him has contributed immensely to the huge achievements recorded by the local government and LCDA Chairmen across the state.

“The Local Government Chairmen here can attest to the fact that in the last one year, we have been transparent in the management of local government fund and I can also tell you that there is no Chairman that has not done well. They all tried within the resources available to each of them and am extremely grateful to them.”

While thanking the outgoing Local Government and LCDA Chairmen for raising the bar of government at the grass-roots level, the Governor said he would have to sit down with the in-coming Chairmen to fashion out ways to bring development to people in the grassroots.

He pointed out that his government would mandate the incoming Chairmen to henceforth prioritize local contractors for projects within their domains to further improve economic growth in the grassroots towards achieving his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

Governor Oyebanji restated the resolve of his administration to fully implement the local content development law recently passed by Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The governor said his administration has demonstrated ability and commitment to workers and pensioners welfare as well as human capital development within resources available to the state.

Oyebanji emphasized that his administration in the last one year has demonstrated commitment to Ekiti development by successfully implementing various infrastructure projects and human capital development aimed at improving the standard of living of the people and actualizing the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

A major highlight of the community engagement was a presentation by the Internal Revenue Service Chairman, Mr Olatona on modernity for the collection and utilization of the Land Use Charges being reintroduced by the government and billed to commence in January next year.

Governor Oyebanji said the Land Use Charges would boost the states IGR and would enable government do more in terms of tangible development.

Reassuring the people of his administration’s commitment and dedication to sustainable development, the Governor said the engagement was his own way of intimating the people who employed him with the progress made in government so far, get feedback from the people, as well as reassure them if his commitment to transparency and accountability.

He reiterated that his government would prioritize the completion of ongoing projects while plan is underway to modernize and extend development to all the Local Government Headquarters in the state to ensure equal access to development opportunities, provide balanced growth, boost economic activities and create better future for the communities.

Emphasizing the need for equitable development and reduction of regional disparities within the state, the Governor said government will soon come out with strategies for the development of the Local Government Headquarters through the Office of Capital and Urban Development Agency.

“In the last one year, we have shown Ekiti people that this government you elected is your government, in the last one year I can stand here and boldly say that we have demonstrated commitment to Ekiti course, we have also demonstrated capacity and ability to stay focused.

”If you look at our achievements in about one year and few months we took over government, either in respect to workers welfare, commitment to pensioners, it is built on one fact, we believe strongly that the people are the most important ingredient of development, if we develop the people and the workforce are happy anything we want to do as government will be very easy for us to do.”

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