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FG To Borrow N2.2bn Petrol Subsidy

By
James Orji
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Zainad Ahmed, the minister of Finance has disclosed that the federal government will borrow to fund petrol subsidy in this year’s budget. President Muhammadu Buhari had two weeks ago sent a bill to the National Assembly for the Amendment of the 2022 Budget to accommodate the over N2 trillion provided in the budget for fuel subsidy.

Last week, the minister said the federal government has totally removed electricity subsidy, noting that plans are in the offing to remove petrol subsidy in phases beginning from this year.

The deadline for removing petrol subsidy was initially set for July this year, but had to be moved forward after the presidency and National Assembly disagreed on the issue.

The minister however said on Tuesday that the subsidy will be funded from the $ 2.2 billion Eurobonds the federal government is planning to raise within the year.

Zainab said there is no other potion left for the government to get fund for the growing petrol subsidy which has been on astronomical rise since President Buhari came to power in 2015.

According to her, “Rising oil prices have put us in a very precarious position … because we import refined products … and it means that our subsidy cost is increasing.”

Speaking at the virtual meeting of African Finance Ministers and the International Monetary Fund, last Thursday, Zainab said this year’s had been prepared to accommodate the incremental removal of petrol subsidy, adding that the government had to carefully adjust the prices incrementally at some levels.

She said, “we are cleaning up our subsidies. We had a setback; we were to remove fuel subsidy by July this year but there was a lot of pushback from the polity.

“We have elections coming and because of the hardship that companies and citizens went through during the COVID-19 pandemic, we just felt that the time was not right, so we pulled back on that,” Ahmed said.

“But we have been able to quietly implement subsidy removal in the electricity sector and as we speak, we don’t have subsidies in the electricity sector.

“We did that incrementally over time by carefully adjusting the prices at some levels while holding the lower levels down.”

The minister said petrol subsidy remained a huge problem for the government that it will have to be removed at a point whether Nigerians like it or not.

She explained that talks are in top gear with the national Assembly to ensure that petrol subsidy is totally phased out, noting that this must be done to reduce the yearly budget subsidy to the barest minimum.

“We are currently doing a budget amendment to accommodate incremental subsidy (removal) as a result of the reversal of the decision and we want to cap it at that.

“Hopefully, the parliament will agree with us and we are able to continue with our plan for subsidy (removal) otherwise the way things are going we will not be able to predict where the deficit will be as a result of the fluctuation in the global market,” the minister said.

NIMASA Act Amendment Gets Stakeholders Nod

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila Tuesday announced that the 9thAssembly embarked on the Amendment of the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Cabotage Act 2003 due to the need to improve the regulatory instruments in the Nigerian maritime sector to meet the need of current realities.

Gbajabiamila stated this while declaring open the two day public hearing by the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration on the Merchant Shipping Act, Repeal and Enactment Bill 2021, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act Repeal & Enactment Bill 2021, Coastal & Inland Cabotage Amendment Bill 2020.

The Speaker noted the need for appropriate regulation of the Nigerian maritime industry in tune with realities of the times to ensure maximum utilization of the nation’s maritime sector.

On her part, Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration  Linda Ikpeazu said the public hearing was to ensure that the decision of the Legislature regarding the Bills are taken from well informed position premised on submisions from maritime stakeholders from all aspects of the industry.

She said: “It is common knowledge that the maritime sector is a foundation and catalyst to growth of nations that possess marine endowments. Nigeria, by any standard, is well endowed by ocean coastline, rivers, and a rich marine bio-diversity.

“Not only are we focused on making the maritime sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth to our dwindling oil resources, we are also poised to develop a prosperous blue economy for our nation, akin to similar success in the maritime nation around the world.

In his submission, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, commended the National Assembly for embarking on the review of the Laws governing the maritime sector noting that the new NIMASA Bill under consideration, will enhance the capacity of the Agency to effectively regulate the Nigerian maritime industry in line with international best practice.

The Minister who was represented by the Director, Legal Service of the Ministry, Paul Oteh, however expressed reservation about the Agency funding the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko.

“The ministry does not support 12% of NIMASA revenue going to the University. The proposal, in our view, also does not recognize the fact that the university, like other public institutions under the supervision of the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Education, is ordinarily entitled to public funds as may be appropriated by the National Assembly on an annual basis.” The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Eng. Victor Ochei adopted the position of the Minister as NIMASA’s position.

The Nigerian Navy, on its part, supported the amendment of the NIMASA act, urging the National Assembly, to look critically at the security component of the bill to ensure that the relationship between the two agencies is enhanced.

The Chief of Naval staff, Awwal Gambo, who applauded the initiative, said it will improve NIMASA’s institutional capacity and enhance Maritime Administration in Nigeria.

Gambo who was represented by Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, said, “the provision of a separate section on marine casualty and the proposed establishment of a Maritime Accident Investigation Unit, will improve compliance with extant regulations, such as, the international regulations for preventing collision at sea, 1972 and thus enhanced Maritime safety.”

The Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN),  Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, WISTA, CIOTA Nigerian Welfare Board, National Association of Master Mariners amongst others were stakeholders who made presentations supporting the proposed amendments to the two Acts of the national Assembly under consideration.

Global Policing Network: IGP Baba Joins Other Police Chiefs in Dubai; Seeks Enhanced Global Support

By
The Source
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Global Policing Network

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, led the Nigeria Police delegation to the World Police Summit taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between 14th – 17th March, 2022.

The World Police Summit is a high-level engagement platform which brings together leaders and professionals from the international law enforcement and policing community to cross-fertilize ideas, examine crime trends, and share innovations with a view to combating the challenges posed by organized crime, rapid population growth, urbanization and evolving digital technology, amongst others, to public safety and security.

The Summit scheduled to cover the entire law enforcement and policing value chain will provide participants the thought-leadership, direction, strategies and technologies required to augment public safety in the face of growing global security threats, including terrorism, money laundering, and cybercrime.

The Inspector-General of Police has seized the opportunity of the gathering of professionals to establish contacts with his counterparts from other nations to bolster collaboration and partnership in his drive to improve on intelligence-led and ICT-driven policing even as the Nigeria Police occupies a strategic position in the top hierarchy of the INTERPOL with the recent election of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, AIG Garba Umar, as INTERPOL Vice President, Africa.

Other Members of the Nigeria Police delegation include; AIG Garba Umar, CP Forensics, FCID, Abuja – CP Shehu Gwarzo, amongst others.

Araraume Joins PDP

By
The Source
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Ifeanyi Ararume JNR

By Charles Igbo

The political realignment in Imo State as the 2023 General Elections continued on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, when Ifeanyi Araraume Jnr, joined the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Making public his migration to the PDP, he said: “Today, I officially joined the PDP in my Ward. In everything I have done, I have tried my best never to be found wanting. I hope it remains so in this new journey.”

Araraume jnr is the son of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC. However, the Senator’s sojourn to the APC has not been smooth. At every corner, he has been dealt a deadly blow which only a man as politically strong as he is would withstand.

He roundly failed in his bid to represent Okigwe Zone – Imo North – in the Senate, a seat he worked very hard to sit on. The death of Senator Ben Uwajimogu created the vacancy. With the declaration of Senator Hope Uzodinma as Governor, Araraume, who had contested for the seat of the Governor under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, gradually went back to the APC, from where he had decamped to APGA, for the sole purpose of vying for the Governor’s seat.

He tried, very much, to ingratiate himself to Governor Uzodinma so as to be backed for the Senatorial seat. But the Governor preferred the now Senator Frank Ibezim.

Ararume had the full support  of former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha. But their combination was not strong enough to defeat Uzodinma’s candidate, even though two of them, ridiculously, contested under the APC because the Party held parallel Primary. It took the Courts to decide who really was the candidate of the Party. It went to Ibezim.

Having fallen out with the Governor over the Senatorial  seat, he fully joined Okorocha’s camp, a camp which till date, has refused to recognise the new  Executive of the APC in the State. Its members refused to take part in the APC membership revalidation exercise, making their membership of the Party suspect.

But, out of the blues, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Senator Ararume the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, NNPC.  The appointment threw Ararume and associates into a wild jubilation. But he suffered one of the worst humiliations of his political career when his inauguration, and members of the Board, in Abuja, was called off at the last minute.

Weeks later, Buhari dropped Ararume, appointed a new Chairman, Senator Margery Okadigbo, and swore her and the other members in.

Since then, Senator Araraume  has been quiet.

Speculations have, however, been rife that he was on his way to defecting to the PDP with his associates. His son’s defection to the PDP on Tuesday, could be a first step to his.

Ararume jnr was a Commissioner in the Okorocha administration. He resigned when Okorocha fell out with his father over the 2019 Governorship candidate. Okorocha, to Araraume’s disappointment, preferred his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu to him or his son.

By decamping, Ararume jnr is only following the footsteps of his father who had decamped from the PDP, to AD, to APC, to APGA, and back to APC. His next bus stop is being awaited, especially, with his son’s movement.

Ondo, Malaysia In Joint Rice Production

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that his administration will continue to create more enabling environment for industries and investors to thrive without hiccups.

Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance on Tuesday during the exchange of Memorandum of Agreement between the Ondo State Government and the La-RUTA Malaysia in Akure.

The event was also attended virtually by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mdm Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet; High Commissioner of Nigeria to Malaysia, Hajara Salim Ibrahim.

Also present at the Governor’s office in Akure were: President, Nigeria Malaysia Business Council; CEO, Laruta, Madam Shirley Ther; and the Director, Investment Promotion, NIPC, Mr Emmanuel Adeshina.

The Governor described the exchange of the MOA as the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration, adding that the State has provided an enabling environment with continuous government supports.

“It should be recalled that over two years ago, I traveled with a team from the State to Malaysia to explore the possibility of a mutually beneficial partnership in Agro-business because we were of the view that Malaysia enjoys   comparative advantage over us in this area.

“Officials of Ondo State Government have met on several occasions both physically and virtually with Malaysia institutions and investors.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, I believe is the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration.

“I was reliably informed that your advance team was on the project site last Saturday.  Let me assure you that you are in the right State as the enabling environment has been provided and you will continue to enjoy the support of the government.”

Governor Akeredolu, while identifying rice as the stable food for most Nigerians, stressed that rice consumption is increasing daily in the country.

“I recall that when we were just a country of about 40 million people, rice was only eaten during special occasions and ceremonies, but with time, rice has become a major food in almost every home.

“With a population of over 200 million, therefore, you can imagine what the market and potential of rice value-chain has become in Nigeria and will continue to be.

“No doubt, there has been a significant rise in rice production in Nigeria and it got to the highest level so far in year 2020 with about 5.06 million tons per annum.”

The Governor maintained that farmers in the state are already producing paddy rice, assuring that La-RUTA will have reasonable supply of paddy rice from the local rice farmers across the State, for processing, while they embark on their own cultivation for enhanced capacity utilisation to be achieved.

“It is apposite to inform you that we are not looking at Ogbese/Uso axis alone.  In the Southern Senatorial District of the State, there is a large expanse of land suitable for rice cultivation in Irele Local Government.

“The place will be made available for your use too, for expansion.  You can cultivate directly and have out growers too.

“Let me assure you that our people are friendly and reliable and we will continue to support you.”

Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet expressed confidence that Ondo State will soon begin to export rice, adding that the efforts of Governor Akeredolu is commendable.

The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Salim Ibrahim said Governor Akeredolu has brought an interesting development to the sunshine state, saying “We are proud of you. You have opened up Ondo State for something big and very interesting. We are very proud of you.”

Kyari: Court Threatens To Strike Out Human Right Violation Case

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Abba Kyari in Court

By Uche Mbah

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, all but accused the defence lawyer to Abba Kyari of deliberately trying to stall N500million fundamental right enforcement suit that Abba Kyari filed against the Federal Government, effectively threatening to strike out the case if thar continues.

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, held on drug-related charges.

His lawyers had on March 7, approached the Court to challenge his arrest and detention by the Drug Agency.

He is asking the Court, among other things, to order the FG to pay him the sum of N500m compensation and a written apology to be published in two national dailies for violating his fundamental human rights.

Part of his prayer is for “a declaration that the arrest and continued detention of the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent without bringing him before a court of competent jurisdiction from 12th of February 2022 till date, is Illegal, unlawful and a gross violation of Applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 35(1) of the I999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“A declaration that announcing the Applicant in the Press without giving him right to fair hearing nor establishing a prima-facie case against him is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right.

“A declaration that declaring the Applicant syndicate of the suspect without establishing a prima-facie case against the Applicant is unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right”.

“A declaration that torture, degrading and in human treatment given to the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on the Applicant’s fundamental human right.

“A declaration that refusal to grant administrative bail to Applicant on alleged bailable offence is unlawful and infringement on the Applicant’s fundamental human right.

“An order of this Honourable Court restraining the Respondent’s agents, servants proxies, police or anyone acting on their behalf from further harassing, detaining, intimidating, arresting the Applicant unlawfully”.

While responding to the NDLEA lawyer who insisted that the plea was filed “out of time”, Kyari’s lawyer, Cynthia Ikenna, requested for a short adjournment to regularize her briefs.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter to April 7, but warned that he would strike out the matter for lack of deligent prosecution if the defence continues to stall.

“If on next date you are not ready, I will strike out the matter.

“Put your house in order before the date of hearing.

“If you have an excuse not to be here on that date, I will take it that you are out to frustrate this matter and I will strike it out”, Justice Ekwo warned.

CBN Says Cash Hubs Are Not Bureau de Change

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Godwin Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has warned operators of cash hubs not to deal in foreign currency or turn themselves to bureau dechange, BDC operators. The warning was contained in the guidelines released by the apex bank on Monday, in which the regulator also pegged the minimum withdraw for individual and corporate entities at N500,000 and N1 million, respectively.

The Godwin Emefiele’s led CBN the Bank Neutral Cash Hubs operations will be closely monitored to ensure that they abide by the guidelines set by the regulator.
The apex bank said the BNCH was set up in conjunction with the Bankers Committee, a body representing all the commercial banks in the country, noting that the cash centres will serve as a one stop shop for customers and relieve banks of certain costs.
“The threshold for eligible transactions at a BNCH shall be as follows: A minimum transaction value of N500,000 for individuals; a minimum transaction value of N1m for corporate entities,” the CBN said, noting that the BNCH was launched in a bid to reduce cost and improve operational efficiency in the country’s cash management value chain.

According to the apex bank, “BNCHs are cash collection centres to be established by registered processing companies or Deposit Money Banks based on business needs.

“They will be located in areas with high volumes of commercial activities and cash transactions. The hubs will provide a platform for customers to make cash deposits and receive value irrespective of the bank with which their account is domiciled.”

It added that the guideline aims to provide minimum standards and requirements for BNCH registration and operations for effective supervision.

The BNCH system, it explained, is set up to reduce the risks and costs borne by banks, merchants, and huge cash handlers in the course of cash management activities, apart from  deepening financial inclusion, enhance cash management efficiency, among other reasons.

The apex banks narrates the primary functions of BNCH thus: “a BNCH may carry out the following: Receipt of naira denominated deposits on behalf of financial institutions from individuals and businesses with high volumes of cash.

“High volume cash disbursement to members of the public on behalf of financial institutions; any other activities that may be permitted by the CBN.

“BNCH shall not carry out investing or lending activities; receive, disburse, or engage in any transaction involving foreign currency; undertake any other transaction which is not prescribed by this guideline; sub-contract another entity to carry out its operations; any other activities that may be prohibited by the CBN,” the government bank said.

NURTW Crisis: Baruwa’s Deputy, Agbede, Pitch Tent With MC Oluomo

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Musiliu Akinsany- MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, is yet to abate, as the Union has remained polarized following the crisis that led to the suspension of Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.

This has seen the Union having many factions that have been aligning and realigning with the National Body and those that have angrily denounced the Union.

Tajudeen Baruwa, the National Chairman of the Union is presently in the eye of storm as his Deputy, Tajudeen Agbede; a former National Trustee of NURTW, Alhaji Alamu Otegbeye,  and other past and present leaders of the Union have thrown their weights behind MC Oluomo and his loyalists over their decision to withdraw their membership from the national body.

Agbede accused the Baruwa- led National Secretariat of creating problems in Lagos Chapter by meddling into its affairs.

According to Agbede, a former Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NURTW, “The constitution allows the State Council to run the affairs of the state. It is the duty of the state secretary to give official monthly reports of activities of the state to the national Secretariat. But under this regime, the president (Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa) wants to know and oversee Lagos State. The President has no business about how inauguration of branches and zones are being done.”

He stressed that the tricycles and motorcycles’ operators are under the state council from inception, that changing the narratives was the major cause of the imbroglio.

He added that: “On the issue of Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), the state chairman has the right to divide the TOOAN of NURTW into zones. I did similar thing during my tenure to Okada riders’ union otherwise called Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State (MOALS). When I came, it was one body under Comrade Tijani Pekis, but I divided it into zones without any interference from the national headquarters. It is within the powers of the state chairman to create, divide and expand to enhance administrative convenience.”

He  also accused his Boss of neglecting the structures of the Union in going about his official duties.

“Another mistake made by the National Headquarters is the neglect of the strictures. I am the National Vice President in charge of Southwest, but the headquarters don’t involve me in any issue going in my zone. It is not appropriate. Let us learn to do things appropriately. The president should let the state council be. Whatever information he needs should be given to him by the state secretary through monthly reports,” he stated.

On the part of Otegbeye, who is also Special Adviser to National President, he said leaders of the union won’t allow Baruwa to destabilise the state council, promising to join other leaders to expel anyone hobnobbing with Baruwa to destroy the Lagos State Council.

In the same vein, the Former National Head of Women Affairs, Comrade Bola Lemboye said the elders are backing Akinsanya’s action.

“We don’t want crisis in Lagos State. We won’t allow what happen in Ogun State to repeat itself in Lagos. We are peaceful people,” she said.

The pioneer Chairman of NURTW in Lagos State, Comrade Samuel Jonah, urged Baruwa to be guided by the union’s constitution in his action.

Jonah described as unfortunate the action of the national body.

According to him, the administration of Akinsanya has been peaceful since coming on board.

Former NURTW Lagos State Council Chairman Alhaji Alao Adewuyi accused Baruwa of not respecting elders in the union.

Adewuyi warned those fraternising with him to destabilise Lagos to desist or face the music.

“We cannot allow a peaceful atmosphere we’re enjoying now be truncated because of selfish agenda of some people. We support actions taken by Akinsanya and members of the union in the state,” he said.

It would be recalled that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu of Lagos State had suspended NURTW activities in the State for Security and safety of lives and properties.

However, there was speculation that the NURTW in Lagos is still selling tickets at motor parks and garages, despite the suspension of all activities by the national body and Governor Sanwo Olu.

It was rumoured that MC Oluomo had remained defiant instructing union members to continue operations, as a circular was alleged to have emanated from him that activities should continue.

“This is to formally inform all NURTW Chairmen and entire members to operate your day to day union activities at the various motor parks & garages.

“Disregard any patrol policemen parading themselves to disrupt your union operations.”

The notice advised that any disruption of activities by police be reported to the leadership “for rectification”.

Debunking the allegations, MC Oluomo issued an update denying that he authorized the sale of NURTW tickets.

He made clarifications that the ones being sold belong to the Lagos government.

“I am a law-abiding citizen. I have never authorised the sale of union tickets”, he noted.

“Lagos State tickets issued (are) being sold at all the parks and garages. I cannot stop the sales of government tickets. I don’t even have such powers”, the statement reads.

HURIWA Alleges Police Cover Up Over Baby Found In Dispatch Box

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Chid Caught in Dispatch Rider

By Akinwale Kasali

A video of the Dispatch Rider that allegedly kidnapped a 10-month old Baby has surfaced on the internet, with the Mother of the Baby and the owner of the Logistic firm the Dispatch Rider works for exonerating him, thus,quashing the impression that he was a kidnapper.

In the video, the Dispatch Rider was carrying the baby while the Mother of the baby said that the Dispatch Rider was an Uncle to the baby, with the owner of the Logistics firm claiming that it was a plot to tarnish her image and that of her company. It is a plot by bloggers and mischief makers to bring her down, she cried.

Both the Ajah Police Station and the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja exonerated him.

The twist in the tale of the kidnapping incident was suspicious, prompting a deluge of questions begging for answers.

If the Dispatch Rider was, as claimed,  the Uncle of the baby, why put him in the Dispatch box? What was the motive behind putting the baby in the box? Where was he headed to? Why taking such risk? Why did he make attempt to run? Why does he want to snuff life out of the baby by endangering the baby’s life?

These and more questions are begging for answers.

Following this development, Civil Rights Advocacy Group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has faulted the Abiodun Alabi- led Lagos State Police Command over its stand on the issue.

A statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA alleged that the Police is trying to cover-up the suspected abduction of the baby to give an untrue impression that Lagos is safe whereas it is not.

According to the police, Tadule and Bitrus were neighbours and the baby was fond of the rider.

“To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him go with the rider,” said police spokesman in Lagos, Adekunle Ajisebutu, noting that the baby caught with the rider was not stolen.

But HURIWA faulted the police, stating that the narration defied logic.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The Lagos State Police Command must go back to their scriptwriters because the script released justifying the dispatch rider’s custody of the baby looks like a Nollywood movie.

“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, must answer the following questions:

“Who on earth will keep a 10-month-old baby in a courier box without access to air except a criminal and kidnapper?

“With the delicate and the exposed manner of motorbikes, who on earth will allow a 10-month-old baby go on a bike with a neighbour just to pacify him save an accomplice?

“There is more than meets the eye in this case. The Police must quit attempt at repackaging and explaining away crimes. The Police must stop its attempt at image laundering to protect its failures to secure lives and property in Lagos and all over the country.

HURIWA said the State is no longer safe, recalling the murder of a Bus Rapid Transit passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who was brutally murdered by her abductors who later dumped her dismembered body on the Carter Bridge by Ogogoro Communityin Lagos.

“Also, masked gunmen kidnapped Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith (retd.), in the Ajah area of Lagos in September 2021 but later released him after ransom was paid.

“The Lagos Police must realise its failures as the security situation in Lagos further worsens and rise up to launch a renewed war against the criminals rather than explaining away crimes.”

HURIWA further called on the Federal Government to enforce stringent legal frameworks and sanctions against crimes targeting kids such as baby’s factory, kidnappings, sexual molestation of children, murders, etc.

Recall that five-year-old pupil, Hanifa Abubakar, was recently mutilated and killed by her Kano State-based school proprietor, Abdulmalik Tanko, who was supposed to protect her.

From Kankara in Katsina State to Kagara in Niger State, Chibok in Borno State, Dapchi in Yobe State, amongst others, school children have been abducted in hundreds by marauders, married off by the bandits, and some killed. The pathetic case of Leah Sharibu is still fresh in mind.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The crimes against children and the vulnerable in the country is becoming alarming and unacceptable. The Federal Government must act fast, change the name of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to MINISTRY OF BABIES AND FAMILY AFFAIRS.

“FG must also charge the National Assembly and the 36 states assemblies to make stringent punishments for those who commit crimes against children. Recall that due to these rising crimes against children, the United Nations Children’s Fund classified Nigeria along with Somalia, Congo, Cameroon, and Niger based on countries with the highest cases of verified abductions in 2021.

“Practical measures must be taken to tackle headlong these crimes. The need for police to have a national data bank of persons caught in these types of crimes against children is non-negotiable. Repeated offenders should get life imprisonment.”

Nigeria’s Federal System Is A Skewed One Says Akeredolu

By
James Orji
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0
Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu
By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State has honoured some people who played vital roles in the creation of the State.
The old Ondo State which comprised of the present Ekiti, was carved out of the defunct Western State with headquarters in Ibadan in 1976.
Among those honoured were Chief Reuben Fasoranti, ex leader of Afenifere; Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Ilu Adeyemi, R.A. Olusa, J.O. Okukoju and Baba Animashaun, for their  struggle in the creation of Ondo State.
Ondo State Governor,  Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at the event, stressed the need for component units in the Federation to enjoy considerable latitude to explore avenues for sustenance.
“The present system, as practised, is a skewed one that erodes the Identities of the States.”
The Governor described the current arrangement which renders States of the Federation almost helpless as deplorable, adding that the identity of each State is being eroded in a mistaken apprehension of the needs for unity and peaceful coexistence.
While noting that the current practice in the Country militates against ingenuity, relentlessly, the Governor stressed that the current political arrangement must be tinkered with significantly for real progress to ensue.
He charged the present crop of leaders to continue to demand governance based on the principles of justice and equity.
“We must not opt for the opportunistic path of political correctness which predisposes us to ambivalence when principled stance on issues of national development is discussed.
“The States of the Federation cannot continue to depend on hand-outs from the Federal Government for even the payment of workers’ salaries.”
Governor Akeredolu, who described the Local Government autonomy as a political ruse, said it must be exposed for what it is.
He described the autonomy as a deceptive charade designed to hoodwink and dispossess, adding that various regions of the country must be in control of their
Governor Akeredolu called on the Federal Government to divest itself of the responsibilities which are local, pointing out that as a federation, the states should be able to determine the number of Local Governments they want.
 “We celebrate you, most enthusiastically, for your vision. We remember the departed elders who have gone to join our ancestors.
“I must not fail to express gratitude to the past leaders of this State, and by extension, those of our sister State, Ekiti, for their contributions to its development.
“We acknowledge their roles as pivotal to the advancement of this State within the permissible limits of the current political configuration in the country.
“We shall continue to insist on the best arrangement for our people in the Nigerian Federation.”
The Governor assured that the State, under his leadership, will continue to engage the polity constructively.
“We are convinced that rural-urban integration programme is the genuine pathway to real development. We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in all the three Senatorial districts of the State.
“We have taken bold steps to improve on the security of lives and property. We established Amotekun to combat the menace of banditry and the unwholesome activities of criminal herdsmen.”
Responding, Bashorun Arogbofa thanked Governor Akeredolu for reminding them and re-assuring that they fought a good fight for the creation of the state.
He commended the Governor for implementing the programme of the founding fathers of the state which he said included; provision of security for the people; deliberate industrialization of the state; sending out signals that the indomitable character and omoluabi spirt of the Ondo State man is not negotiable or comprimisable; respect for the rule of law and fair distribution of the state’s common heritage.
Pa Fasoranti expressed appreciation to the Governor for remembering to honor them while they are alive.
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