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Attack On Senator Ubah: The Military, Security Agencies Will Respond – Buhari

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Ifeanyi Ubah attack

By Charles Igbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that four Policemen were killed when gunmen attacked the  convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. And the President promises, indirectly, a revenge. Ubah, also lost two Aides in the attack.

President Buhari in a statement released on Wednesday, said he was waiting for the response of the Military and other Security Agencies.

Gunmen had ambushed and attacked the Senator’s convoy at Nkwo market, Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday, 11th September, 2022.

The Senator who is representing Anambra South at the National Assembly escaped death by whiskers because he drove in an SUV bullet proof car.

Until the President revealed the number of Policemen  killed in the attack, both the Senator and the Anambra State Police Command were reluctant to disclose it to the Media.

The attack, unprecedented, even in the insecurity- ravaged South-east, has been greeted with outrage. Many Igbo people described it as a sacrilege.

At the scene of the attack on Sunday, after the havoc wreaked by the gunmen, one young man kept screaming at nobody in particular: “This is not good. This is our brother.”

In the statement signed on his behalf, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu,  President Buhari condemned the attack, seen as an assassination attempt, in strong words. And his promise: “I am waiting for the response of the Military and Security Agencies.” He said he was closely monitoring the situation. Buhari also condolences with the families of the four Policemen and other people,  commiserated with Ubah, and wished the injured, quick recovery.

The statement which said the attack is barbaric and condemnable, was titled: ‘President Buhari condemns as barbaric attack on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.’ It reads in part:

“We are deeply concerned about the activities of armed groups in the region and in other parts of the country.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the response to the worrisome situation by the Police, the military and other Security Agencies.

“The Nation has lost four brave Policemen and other Aides of the Senator.

“On behalf of the Government and the people, I pay homage to these Security men and the Aides who were brutally murdered. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.”

Professor Charles Soludo, Anambra State Governor, has promised that the culprits will face the full weight of the law.

2023: PDP Blasts APC Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Dwindling Economy; APC Fights Back

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By Akinwale Kasali

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa have lambasted the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over its defense of its Muslim-Muslim Joint Ticket, and the dwindling economic fortunes of the nation.

The PDP Stalwarts said the decision of the APC to field Muslims as its candidate is a total disrespect to the sensibilities of Nigerians and an insensitive decision to make in a diversified nation like Nigeria.

It also carpeted the Buhari-led APC government for running the economy aground and making Nigerians poorer than they were eight years ago.

Atiku and Okowa, who described the ruling party’s choice of same faith ticket as the most insensitive political step, spoke in two separate political events organised in Abuja and Lagos.

Okowa, who was in the company of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchi Ayu, at an event in Abuja, said “I personally do not believe in the Muslim-Muslim ticket. The reason is that there is diversity when it comes to that. Therefore, sticking to one faith is not a good thing to do particularly in a troubled nation as we are in today. It’s almost like going on to having the presidential candidate  from the North and picking the vice presidential candidate also from the North.”

The Delta State Governor is however optimistic that the PDP will triumph at the 2023 Presidential Election.

So, the only ticket that can work for Nigeria is the ticket that doe not tie election victory to either the Muslim or Christian faith,” he stressed.

 The summit was organised by the Northern Christian Youth Assembly with the theme, “Unifying Nigeria: The role of Northern Christian youths and women.”

Okowa told the youth that with their support, the party would win the 2023 elections.

He said the PDP had been receiving several defectors, adding that more people were joining the Atiku/Okowa project.

While commending the group for organising the meeting to discuss Nigeria’s challenges and the pathways to finding solutions, he advised everyone to prepare to vote in the coming poll.

Reacting to the swipe at the APC by the duo of Atiku and Okowa, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Tinubu-Shettima Coalition for Good Governance, Adebayo Shittu, hit out at Atiku and his running mate, describing them as ‘’unrepentant PDP leaders that deserve to cover their faces in shame.”

He said, “They have nothing else to say. The antecedents of Tinubu, who is known to be fisher of men has seen him choose the very best brain; somebody who is articulate, brilliant and ruled Borno State in a war-situation and did exceedingly well. This has unsettled them. Tell me, who could have been a better APC candidate to choose from the North-East?

On the 54 per cent unemployment rate, the former Communications Minister said the situation was not peculiar to only Nigeria.

“Is it peculiar to us alone? We should be able to compare with other nations before drawing a conclusion. Even in Britain and the US, what is the situation like? Are you aware that Britain is currently experiencing increment in prices of bread and other essentials?

Police Misconduct: Police Affairs Ministry Gets Over 431 Petitions 

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Nigeria Police Force

By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi is very worried  over Police brutality and misconduct. Over 431 petitions have been sent to the Ministry.

Despite the sensitization and reorientation of the Police by the Ministry since the #EndSARS Campaign of October  2020 which led to the disbandment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, the brutality, abuse of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians is yet to abate.

 304 of such  complaints have been resolved and 81 disciplinary action awarded to erring police officers.

These are contained in a document prepared by the Minister of Police Affairs, Dingyadi, while explaining the efforts of his Ministry and the NPF at ensuring discipline among Police officers.

It reads in part: “Recently, attention has been placed on the need for professionalism and adherence to extant laws by police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“This has prompted the need to look into the various complaints against police action via social media, and the meting out of sanctions on violators of laws regulating the conduct of police officers.

“In the past three months, a total of 431 complaints against police actions have been received. 304 of these complaints have been resolved with 81 punishments awarded to erring police officers and men.

“Seven of these police officers have been dismissed for severe infractions.

“Meanwhile, 40 officers are undergoing internal disciplinary processes to determine their innocence or otherwise.”

Apart from sanctions, the Minister also said the PPCC in 2021 embarked on sensitisation campaigns targeted at the six geo-political zones, adding that the South-West, South-South, North-Central and North-West, had been covered while that for the North-East was slated to hold on September 9 in Bauchi.

Two Chairmen Emerge As Ekiti Chapter Of NYCN Elect Officers

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NYCN

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) is in turmoil as two persons lay claim to the chairmanship.

Election to various offices of the Council was held on Tuesday with one of the contestants, Segun Famuyibo, claiming on social media that he won.

Another contestant, Segun Bankole has equally been declared as the new chairman of Ekiti state chapter of NYCN.

A statement by one John-Ralph Ayodele on behalf of the Council in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday explained that the elected was actually held and a winner emerged.

Ayodele stated that “The attention of the Leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter has been drawn to a news going round the social media that one  Segun Famuyibo (Mr) posted himself on the social media referring to himself to be the Newly elected Chairman of the Council in Ekiti State.

“As much as we are encouraging the said Segun Famuyibo to be law abiding citizen of the State and accept defeat in good faith, we need to caution him to avoid committing treasonable related offences.

“His illegal announcement on social media is nothing but a distraction to the general public and a slap on the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

“It should be noted that a Congress was conducted  on Tuesday 13th September, 2022 in accordance with the Constitution of the Council and the laid down rules of the Electoral Committee.

“The election however produced Comrade James Segun BANKOLE as the Chairman of the Council with 109 Votes to defeat the said Segun Famuyibo who managed to get 14votes at an open secret poll.

“The Congress had in attendance the Electoral Officers, Outgoing State Officers, Immediate past NANS President, the Heads and delegates of the registered Organizations in the Council, the officers of the Council at the Local Government levels, the Security Agencies and other well meaning Nigerians.

“The video clips at the poll, photo shots, declaration of the result and Presentation of the Certificate of return are our evidence to prove beyond doubt.

“The victory of Comrade James Segun BANKOLE is audible to the deaf and feasible to the blinds.

“It is on this note we want to implore the general public to disregard whatever information coming from Segun Famuyibo or his supporters. Our State Chairman is James Segun BANKOLE.”

First Bank: Customers’ Comment Of The Day

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“I have tried getting FirstCredit; it never works. One of your bank branches told me it’s meant for business owners only.”

@GreatDanito

Northern Leaders Concede To State Police

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Calls for state police have gained more momentum as state governors and leaders from the Northern part of the country have thrown their weight behind it.

In the past, northern leaders were opposed to states having their own police forces preferring the current situation, where the federal government controls the police force.

The leaders from all the 19 Northern states said on Tuesday in a statement that they took the decision after reviewing the security situation in the country.

They made the call after reviewing the security situation in the North during their meeting which was held in Abuja.

According to a statement issued in Jos by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, the northern leaders said state police is the solution to the insecurity in the country.

The statement said, “The Northern Governors Forum on Monday, September 12, 2022, met with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Abuja and came out with a resolution calling for the establishment of state police to tackle security challenges in the region and the nation at large.

“Reading the communique after the meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said the meeting reviewed the security situation in the North and other matters relating to its development and resolved to support the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police. According to him, this will effectively and efficiently address the security challenges of the region.”

Meanwhile, close watchers of Nigeria’s politics considered the action a good way forward, noting that the country can now move ahead to amend the necessary parts of the Constitution to pave the way for state governments to own their police forces. 

First Bank, Access, Take Steps To End CBN Forex Dependence  

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Commercial banks in the country are taking steps to end their dependence on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for forex allocations.

This becomes necessary, sources in the money banks say, due to the acute forex shortage in the country and the decision of the apex bank to end forex allocation to banks by December.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had in February directed banks to look for other means of generating foreign exchange, warning banks that the apex bank will end forex allocation to them by the end of the year.

For instance, Emefiele suggested that the banks could generate forex through export proceeds, as their continued dependence on the apex bank for forex is no longer tenable.

Emefiele said, “The era is coming to an end when, because your customers need 100million dollars in foreign exchange or 200 million dollars, you now want to pack all the dollars and pass it to CBN to give you dollars.

“It is coming to an end before or by the end of this year. We will tell them don’t come to the Central Bank for foreign exchange again go and generate your export proceeds.

“When those export proceeds come, we will fund them at 5% for you and they will earn rebait. Then you can sell those proceeds to your customers that want 100 million dollars. But to say you will continue to come to the Central Bank to give you dollars, we will stop it,” the CBN boss said.

“Nigeria cannot continue to depend on FX earnings to fund its import obligations from revenue coming from earnings from products where we cannot determine both price and quantity.”

In line with this, First Bank and Access Bank have already notified their customers that they would no longer disburse dollar cash for Business Travel Allowance, BTA, and Personal Travel Allowance, PTA to customers.

Forex purchases, the banks said would now be disbursed through dollar debit cards.

“We think this is the best way going forward in other to save the Naira and reduce customers’ forex arbitrage. Through the use of debit card funny or criminal dollar transactions will be reduced to the barest minimum,” a top bank executive said on Wednesday.

According to FirstBank in a statement, “The full Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) of $4,000 and $5,000 respectively will now be disbursed into your FirstBank Travel Card. All applications will be in line with Regulatory Requirements.

“Kindly ensure that all PTA/BTA applications along with the approved Form A are submitted at the branch exactly 14 days before your proposed travel date. Sales is limited to two quarters a year.”

On its part, Access Bank said, “We would like to once again inform you that we disburse authorised personal and business travel allowance FX requests through our Access Travel Debit Card. The Access Travel Debit Card has been created to enable you to transact seamlessly when you travel abroad.”

Mamu, A Terrorists; On Way To Saudi To Meet Terrorist Commanders – DSS; What The Service Recovered

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Tukur Mamu - Bandits Negotiator

By Gideon Njoku

The Department of State Services, has alleged that Tukur Mamu, the self-appointed negotiator and intermediary between the murderous Terrorists who attacked, killed and abducted passengers on an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train, is a Terrorists.

Proof, according to the DSS: Mamu, contrary to the belief that he was on his way to Saudi Arabia to perform the Lesser Hajj when he was intercepted by the INTERPOL in Cairo, Egypt, was billed for a meeting with Commanders and top terrorist organizations.

The DSS, also, revealed what they recovered from a search its Operatives carried out in Mamu’s residence and office in Kaduna. The items recovered, the Service said, include high caliber guns and Military accouterments.

The Service also disclosed that Mamu is neck-deep In the supply of logistics to Terrorists, as well as in aiding and  abetting them.

These allegations were contained in an affidavit sworn-to by the DSS which it filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, 13th September, 2022. The affidavit was deposed to by the Service’s Legal Officer, Hamza Pandogari.

Noted Pandogari: “That upon his interception and subsequent repatriation back to Nigeria, a duly signed search warrant was executed in his residence and office at No 4 Ladan Street Sabon Kawo GRA and  No 14 Mamona Road, Anguwan Sarki, Kaduna State and various exhibits and items to establish his complicity with terrorists were recovered.

The items recovered during the search, the DSS said, include: $151, £20 Sterling, 1,530 Indian Rupees, One Saudi Riyald, 70 Dirham, N1, 506, 000, and 16 assorted coins.

Some other items, allegedly, recovered are: two packs of pump action cartridges, 16 ATM (automated machine) cards from both local and foreign banks, seven cheque books from different banks, six laptops, four tablets, 24 handsets and three international passports belonging to Mamu, one firearm license, eight pieces of Njgerian Army Uniforms, and16 pieces of Nigerian Naval uniforms.

Mamu, a Journalist, is the Publisher of a Newspaper, Desert Herald. But the DSS saw beyond that. The Service alleged that Mamu “has used the cover of his profession as a Journalist, to aid both local and international terrorist groups.” In so doing, the DSS insist that Mamu caused the deaths of “many Security personnel in North-Central and North-east parts of Nigeria.”

The Judge, the Honourable Justice Nkeonye Maha, granted the ex-parte motion brought by Counsel to the DSS, Ahmed Magaji and authorized that Mamu be detained by the Service for a further 60 days.

Mamu, aside from publishing the Desert Herald, is also the Media Consultant to Islamic Scholar, Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, who, expectedly, has declared Mamu innocent and asked that he, Mamu, be apologized to.

Mamu entered into National consciousness when he became a self-appointed negotiator for the release, in batches, of Abuja-Kaduna bound Train hostages. 23 of them are still in captivity.

Mamu was arrested at the  Cairo International Airport, Egypt, on September 6, 2022,  and brought back to Nigeria on September 7, 2022. He was in the company of his two wives, headed to Saudi Arabia, allegedly, for the Lesser Hajj.

Buhari In Imo, Says Uzodinma Writing His Own History, Commissions Imo Governor’s Three Signature Projects

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Muhammadu Buhari Visits to Imo State

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is already documenting his own history without knowing it going by the numerous infrastructural development projects linked to the Governor’s administration.

He made the comment during his official visit to Imo State on Tuesday, to commission three key signature projects embarked upon by Governor Uzodimma in less than years in office.

The projects include the dualised 35 kilometres Owerri-Orlu road, the first phase of the reconstructed 52 kilometres Owerri-Okigwe road and the rebuilt Imo House of Assembly Complex.

After commissioning and driving through the Owerri-Orlu road to Amaraku to also commission the first phase of Owerri-Okigwe road, President Buhari informed his audience during the unveiling that he had already told Governor Uzodimma on their way coming that he is “writing his own history in Imo State.”

President Buhari’s remarks at the unveiling of the rebuilt Imo State House of Assembly Complex was also savoury as he was full of commendations to the Governor for honouring the third arm of government with such befitting edifice.

Obviously pleased with all that he saw during the one day official visit, the President  told a gathering of Imo and South East leaders of thought who came to receive him at a banquet in his honour at the Government House Owerri that the Federal Government under his watch will continue to support Imo State and other States to continue to provide dividends of democracy irrespective of the differences in political party affiliation.

The President who said he has no regrets visiting Imo State twice in less than one year commended Governor Uzodimma for making the construction of roads and critical infrastructure a top priority. “A good road deserves a second passage.”

He said that “the importance of critical infrastructure in the development of the country cannot be over emphasized” and that “the APC governments at all levels are determined to use road infrastructure to drive the economic development of Nigeria.”

At the federal level the President pointed at such critical infrastructure as the Blue Sea Port, Network of Gas and Power Infrastructure, Improvement on Airport Terminals, Bridges and Roads (such as the Second Niger Bridge), Standard Gauge Railways, Telecommunication Infrastructure, and more.   

He expressed happiness that Governor Uzodimma is doing similar things in Imo State and commended him for living up to expectations even with limited resources at the disposal of the State Governments.

His words: “It is only when a leader is dedicated and focused that he can achieve so much with very little in his disposal.” 

President Buhari recalled that in his last visit to Imo State he encouraged Governor Uzodimma to continue to make his people happy through good governance and expressed happiness that the Governor took his advice and “today,  Tuesday 13th September 2022 he has presented to me three key projects for commissioning.”

On the two flagship roads he commissioned, an excited President  Buhari said “the roads that cover several Local Governments of the State will serve as major stimulants to the local economy and by extension the economy of Imo State.”

President Buhari who turned to the Governor and said “Bravo”, said henceforth he has nicknamed the Governor “Mr. Good Roads.”

Commenting on the rebuilt Imo State House of Assembly Complex he also commissioned earlier that was abandoned for years by past administrations, the President commended the Governor for embarking on the rehabilitation, noting that “the importance of the House of Assembly in the sustenance of democracy cannot be overemphasized.” 

“By giving the Honourable Members a befitting place for their activities it is a form of according due respect to that Arm of Government,” he added and described the infrastructural programmes of Governor Uzodimma as “Infrastructural Revolution.”

A peep into what President Buhari wrote in the Governor’s Guest Register which he personally signed summarises his feeling.

His words: “This is my second official visit to Owerri in just one year, affirming my support for infrastructural development, as we see happening in Imo State. Without infrastructure, there can’t be sustainable development. I urge Governor Hope Uzodimma and his team to keep the flag fying. It’s the way to go. Ndewo!!!”

Before departing for Abuja, the President urged Imo people to continue to support Governor Uzodimma.

Earlier in his address, Governor Uzodimma who was elated on Mr. President’s visit in the face of detractors and distractions expressed gratitude to him for accepting to come and commission the projects which he said are  dear to him. 

The Governor said that the measure of these achievements is predicated on the fact that administrations before his own had abandoned the roads to the mercy of the citizens.  

He then acknowledged that his administration’s ability to realize the projects were as a result of the support his government got from President Buhari.

Governor Uzodimma informed the President and the audience that his government has done more than 105 roads that are aimed at connecting various Communities to motorable roads in the State, adding that the Government of Shared Prosperity has recently flagged-off two new Federal Roads: the Owerri/Mbaise/Obowo/Umuahia road and the Orlu/Mgbee/Uruala/Akaokwa/Uga road, all of which can be described as “economic arteries of the State.”

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that the goal of his administration is to leave Imo State far better than he met it, noting that he has refused to be distracted or succumb to social media blackmail, but instead continues to “concentrate on those things that improve the lives of Imo people.”  

Recalling those unique benevolence of Mr. President to Imo State, the Governor mentioned the recent approval to move Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a University Status, to use Federal Medical Centre Owerri as a Teaching Hospital for FUTO, establishment of a Naval Base at Oguta and most importantly, the prompt intervention of Mr. President that helped to restore peace and security in Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma thanked him profoundly and said but for the intervention of the Armed Forces following the President’s directive “Imo State would have been over-run by bandits and criminals that invaded the State.”

Besides,the Governor expressed his sincere gratitude and that of Imo people to the President for the completion of the second Niger Bridge which has defiled attempts by past Federal Government administrations. 

He highlighted the several infrastructure such as the upgrading of the Emene International Airport, Enugu/ Port Harcourt dual carriage expressway and others as projects Mr. President gave approval for and pledged that the people will continue to be grateful to him and his government.

The Governor reminded Mr. President   that as a payback for all his magnanimity Imo will continue to offer full and undiluted loyalty, will continue to be law abiding to make it easy for Mr. President to govern Nigeria and that as Governor ‘’he will continue to serve Imo with utmost honesty, dedication, accountability and fear of God and on this he will not fail.”

Governor Uzodimma appreciated everyone that came from far and near and called on Imo people in particular to continue to support his government for better dividends of democracy.

In a goodwill message on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the President General, Amb. George Obiozor thanked the President for his encouragement and support to Imo State and South East Zone and reminded Buhari that the “Governor Uzodimma is indeed a committed and development focused administrator.”

Obiozor reassured Mr. President of Igbo commitment to the Nigerian Project and reiterated that “what the Igbos seek is justice, equity and fairness in a country where they will have acceptance and equality of existence.”

In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu thanked the President for coming and said that “Governor Uzodimma has made Imo proud by fulfilling his several campaign promises despite all the distractions and inconveniences he has so far encountered.”

The Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku in his vote of thanks assured Mr. President that soon, he will be invited again to commission more projects in Imo State.

Those who joined in receiving Mr President include: Deputy Senate President,  Senator Ovia Omo-Agege, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,  Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, former Military Governor Imo Senator, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), wife the Governor,  Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kennedy Ibe and all members of Imo State House of Assembly as well as  all members of the State Executive Council.

Others include the Minister of State Education, Rt Hon Goodluck Opiah, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Senator Osita Izunaso, members of the APC National and State executive, traditional rulers led by Eze Imo, Eze EC Okeke, members of the Imo Elders Council led by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and many more prominent persons from the State and beyond.

Insecurity: Governor Akeredolu Reads Riot Act, Bans Night Clubbing, Okada Operations In Ondo State

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Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is not leaving any stone unturned in curtailing the insecurity bedeviling the State.

As a measure towards securing the State, the Governor has banned night clubbing and motorcycle (Okada) operations in the State.

The ban cuts across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Security Matters, Akogun Adeleye, on Tuesday, in Akure, the State capital.

The statement noted that with the latest order, night clubs would close operation by 12am while okada would operate between 6am and 6pm.

The statement reads; “In furtherance of the current administration’s efforts to rid the State of criminally-minded persons or groups, law enforcement agencies are to resume enforcement on the ban on motorcycle operations outside 6am-6pm, night club activities beyond 12 midnight, use of vehicles with tinted glasses without permit, unregistered vehicles, use of sticker number plates in lieu of car dealership approved stickers.

“Accordingly, all security agencies are hereby enjoined to impound all such motorcycles and vehicles while the owners or riders would be prosecuted.

“The Government of Ondo State encourages all vehicle and motorcycle owners to register their vehicles/motorcycles as defaulters would be made to face the full wrath of the law

accordingly.”

The statement stressed that the determination of the Akeredolu-ed administration to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people of Ondo State remained top priority.