CBN, SERAP In Court Over LGA Funds

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May 26, 2025

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has prayed the Federal High court in Lagos to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to disclose the amount sent to each of the 774 local government councils, LGA, in the country since July last year.

SERAP, in the law suit filed at the court of Friday said this has become mandatory in light of the last year Supreme Court’s landmark judgment ordering the direct payment of local government funds from the Federation Account to them directly.

The Civil society group said In a statement on Sunday, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare that it has taken the matter to court.

The court, the magazine reported had in July last year voided the State-Local Government Joint Account in which the monthly allocation for LGAs are paid.

The apex court’s judgment followed a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. But almost one year after it appears the judgment has not been implemented.

According to SERAP, it’s compelled to file the suit under the Freedom of Information, FOI, Act because the federal government and the CBN appear to be playing games with the issue.

The civil society body said the suit has become the last resort after the Central Bank failed to accede its request that funds paid to LGAs after the court judgment be made public.

In the suit number FHC/L/MSC/521/2025 SERAP has asked the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria including the amounts sent to each council since the Supreme Court judgment.

The statement also noted that SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose whether any direct payment has been made from the Federation Account with the CBN to the local government councils in Rivers State and to explain the rationale for any such payment.”is Happened (EP 256) Reviews SERAP Demands For Answers Over Missing N100bn Dirty Notes, Others

In the suit, SERAP argued that, “The CBN should make it possible for citizens to have access to the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils to ensure transparency and accountability, and judge whether the CBN and other agencies are complying with the Supreme Court judgment.”

SERAP also argued that “Granting the reliefs sought would go a long way in promoting the values and principles that underlie the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and are inherent characteristics of an open democratic society.”

According to SERAP, “State governors are starving local governments of funds and putting them in peril, despite the Supreme Court’s binding orders. State governors’ blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s orders undermines the integrity of the court and poses a direct challenge to the rule of law.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The CBN ought to act in the public interest to ensure that the 774 councils in the country directly get their own money from the Federation Account, as ordered by the Supreme Court.”

SERAP added, “The CBN also has the constitutional and statutory duty to ensure that no part of the Federation is governed contrary to the Nigerian Constitution or by anybody that is not constitutionally empowered to do so.

“The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Oluwakemi Oni, read in part: “The CBN should be facilitating compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders. If state governors get away with ignoring the court, it will undermine the ability of the bank to credibly perform its statutory duties.

“States and the FCT have continued to undermine and endanger the existence of local governments and their ability to effectively function as the third tier of government as envisioned under the Nigerian Constitution.

“The CBN has a constitutional and statutory duty to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognized three tiers of government.”

SERAP added that the CBN also has the constitutional and statutory duty to protect any tier of the federal governance structure from going extinct or being destroyed.

“Local government councils are legitimate owners of their allocations from the Federation Account.

“Ensuring that all restrictions against direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 councils will comply with the orders by the Supreme Court and stop states and the Federal Capital Territory from tampering with the allocations ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

“States and the FCT no longer have the right to retain the allocations for local governments in the Federation Account as they have persistently failed to use the allocations for the benefit of the local government councils and Nigerians.

“The disbursement of the allocations meant for the 774 councils to states would be at the expense of poor Nigerians and continue to undermine the rights and well-being of those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country,” SERAP added.

The statement pointed out that CBN could play an important role in revitalising the 774 councils in the country and improving opportunities for Nigerians who reside in those councils. The CBN should not allow states to act in breach of the Supreme Court judgment and do whatever they like with the public funds meant for local government councils.

“The CBN has a responsibility to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.”

“Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account of the amount standing to its credit in the said Federation Account. States should not be collecting, receiving, spending, or tampering with the local government council funds from the Federation Account meant for the benefit of the councils.

“The Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment declared that the Freedom of Information Act ‘is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation’, including those kept by the CBN.

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on the CBN to widely disclose the information sought by SERAP.”

For years critics say, state governments in the country have mismanaged LGAs funds thus tampering with the financial independence of the councils and stunting development at that level of government. starving the third tier of government. The Supreme Court judgment has tried to correct this anomaly, according to political experts.

UTME: “First JAMB (Score) 154, Second JAMB, 333”- Student Celebrates

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 26, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

A candidate in the just released Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Ezubelu Valentine, is celebrating his high score after JAMB had scored him low in the earlier released corrupted result.

Recall that about 379,000 candidates from the South-east and parts of Lagos were forced to retake the examination after JAMB accepted human and system errors in those areas. No thanks to that, candidates who took their examination in those areas suffered “mass failure”.

On Sunday, JAMB released the results of the rescheduled examination and, a number of the Candidates are celebrating their new actual results as a vindication of their protest when JAMB released the confirmed corrupted result.

For instance, Ezubelu, who scored 154 in the corrupted result, scored 333 in the released result of the rescheduled examination. Celebrating his feat, he wrote via Ezubelu Valentine@EzubeluValrnti2 wrote: “First JAMB result 154. Resit jamb result 333”.

Alex Onyia, Chief Executive Officer, EDUCARE, in a post on his X handle @winexviv said that candidates have been vindicated.

A candidate, whose name Onyia did not disclose, scored 170 in the corrupted result but now scored 301 in the result of the rescheduled examination.

“This is the first JAMB resit result I woke up with. This youngster was wrongly graded 170 due to the error and now, 301 in just 48 hours of preparation.

“Finally, our students have been vindicated”, Onyia wrote.

In same vein, David Busola posted: “Yes oooooo! I am soooo happy!! My daughter scored 302 in the resit exam!!! All glory to God! Thank you @winexviv”.

And for Dubem #DubemSylvia, it is: “From 151 to 307. God is awesome.”

Yusuf Ademola @Alqiblly posted: “I got 152 at first. With a little preparation now, I got 278.”

And for Samuel Olusanya @BigSam_Olusanya: “My student that was given 146 now scored 332! The one that was given 160 now scored 305! The one that was given 170 now scored 308! I’m the happiest teacher on Earth.”

Writing on his X page, Engreb @Engreeeb posted: “Thank you for all you did, my niece was wrongly credited with 161 previously and after the resit, she scored 285. JAMB nearly shattered her dreams of becoming a Nurse.”

For Obiim @Odogwuobi it is “Thank you sir, from the initial 172 to 313. I’m so happy”.

Recall that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, had ordered a resit by candidates, of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, after it admitted both human and system errors which corrupted the results of its 2025 results.

In the earlier corrupted results, JAMB said that over 1.5 million, out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the UTME scored below 200 marks out of 400.

For the records, JAMB has said there will be another “mop-up” examination as over 200,000 candidates were still unable to retake the examination on the rescheduled date because it clashed with their West African School Certificate Examination, WASSCE.

Senate Scolds Opposition Parties On Rubber-Stamp Claim

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 26, 2025

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Opeyemi Bamidele, the Nigerian Senate Leader has rebuffed claims that the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly is a rubber-stamp of the executive.

Senator Bamidele representing Ekiti state in NASS made the remark on, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

According to the former Commissioner of Information in Lagos state, the NASS has been working with the Executive by ensuring due diligence in terms of the bills and other interactions.

The Senator’s remark also comes on the heels of suggestions by not a few Nigerians that the NASS has become a ‘yes man’ to the president, in terms of truly performing their function of holding the Executive to account.

But Bamidele said the claim is untrue citing the fact that the NASS has maintained its independence considering the manner it passed the Tax Reforms Bill and the 2025 Budget.

He said it took painstaking consultations between the Assembly and Presidency before the two bills were passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

The Senator noted that many Nigerians will appreciate the NASS if they know what transpires between the two arms of government before agreements are arrived at.

He therefore dismissed the rubber-stamp tag on NASS by key opposition political parties in the country.

Bamidele: “If we are actually a rubber-stamp parliamentary institution as most opposition political parties have claimed, the bills would have been passed within one week or two weeks after they were laid before us.

“In the process of passing the bills, both executive and legislative arms held over 39 engagements to trash grey areas in the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 before both chambers of the national assembly eventually passed the bills.

“But people do not know all the efforts and sacrifices we made to ensure the effective delivery of public goods. They were only eager to label us a rubber stamp when the bills came from the executive,” stated the politician.

Recall that a former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi recently accused the 36 state governors of failure to hold the presidency to account in terms of the way the country has been governed under the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC.

Amaechi was the immediate past Minister of Transportation under APC.

Nigeria’s Problem Can Be Solved From The North – Obi

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The Source

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May 26, 2025

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria’s problems can be solved from the North.

Addressing a cross-section of Northern Nigeria leaders under the umbrella of the National Political Consultative Group, Obi said that Northern Nigeria is the future huge asset of the country.

LP standards bearer told the Northerners, which included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that the issue of crimes and insecurity in the North is a consequence of poverty.

He said that the region must invest in education because it’s the easiest way to tackle poverty.

According to Obi, the North has voted for religion and tribe in the past; this is the time to vote for something else, a time to consider competence and capacity.

Recalling the strength of the North in the past, Obi said that as a banker, Kano was the place they came for cash, but today, all the industries in Kano are gone.

Obi also underscored the importance of trust among Nigerians to be able to tackle the myriads of problems away from ethnic and religious sentiments.

Drawing an inference from some successful agrarian nations like Bangladesh, Netherlands and others, the LP standards bearer, who spoke amid cheers from the gathering, said Northern Nigeria has more potential than all these countries but noted that what is lacking is good governance, good policies and implementation.

Earlier, the immediate past Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in a keynote Speech at the gathering, bemoaned the security situation in the North and called for the need to create a platform to rescue the region.

Wike Fingers Makinde, Mbah As Obstacles To PDP Reconciliation, Backs Out Of Truce

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2025

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, insisted on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, respecting all agreements reached with his camp as a pre-condition for peace.

This is just as he announced his withdrawal from an earlier truce, and a return to the trenches until justice is done.

In a statement personally signed by him, the former Governor of Rivers State, who is a known figure in the protracted feud rocking the PDP, listed some of the agreements that must be respected to include the retention of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the Party’s National Secretary in keeping with a Supreme Court verdict.

Other agreements, according to him, are the withdrawal of all legal matters regarding Rivers State, and Emergency Rule proclamation, as well as a strict observation of all other conditions agreed by all parties.

Instructively, the FCT Minister singled out his ally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, for the breach of the agreements.

Wike emphasized the imperativeness of all parties to respect all the terms of the agreements reached during the reconciliation parleys.

While recounting the events that precipitated the festering crisis in the Party as dating back to the count down to the 2023 presidential polls, the FCT Minister regretted that his erstwhile soul mate, Governor Makinde, is now the architect of the current crisis in the party.

“Since after the 2023 general election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders.

“To stem this ugly trend, efforts have been made to arrest the pernicious virus of dishonesty ,and treachery, and enthrone fidelity to agreements with a view to stabilizing the party and moving it forward.

“To this end, a meeting of the G-5 was held in Lagos. At that meeting, I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Seyi Makinde that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly.

“At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress.

“As a follow-up to the aforementioned meeting, there was an expanded meeting in Abuja involving HE Seyi Makinde, HE Umaru Fintri, HE Bala Mohammed, HE Bukola Saraki and I at Saraki’s Guest House .

“At that meeting, I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements.

“Tensions rose mightily at the meeting, and it took all concerned to calm frayed nerves. At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgment; all legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser; the suit on the State of Emergency be withdrawn forthwith; and nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached.

“In the light of the foregoing, I was persuaded to attend the stakeholders meeting at the Bauchi State Government Lodge.

“I attended the meeting, and clearly reiterated my earlier concerns and to this end, and in order to resolve all other lingering and pending issues, a committee was formed ,headed by HE Bukola Saraki .

“It is, however, disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated .

“To my chagrin ,Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mbah of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of the so-called South East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as National Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP.

“I have since granted an interview to the effect that that resolution of the South East leaders must not hold”, Wike stated .

In the same vein, the FCT Minister accused the Oyo State Governor of being the brain behind the adoption of the Deputy National Secretary as the Acting National Secretary all in the bid to undermine the earlier truce reached.

He expressed disappointment that an earlier letter written by Anyanwu endorsing the Party’s Anambra State Gubernatorial Candidate for the November 8 polls, was countered at the INEC by the National Publicity Secretary, allegedly on the directives of Governors Makinde and Mbah.

Wike, therefore, warned that all the actions geared towards flouting the agreement reached, will be counterproductive to the interests of the party.

Wike explained that he has taken the pain to outline all the facts behind the PDP recent crisis for the public to take note.

For the records, Wike has pledged his unalloyed support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 for a second term on office. The President is of the APC.

“I Am Not Leaving APC”, Governor Alia Insists , Amidst Rift With SGF

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Sunday May 25,2025 vehemently rejected claims linking him with an exit from the All Progressive Congress, APC .

There have been growing speculations about the Governor’s moves to perfect his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a platform that is being associated with the anti-Tinubu coalition.

The rumoured defection of the Governor is a direct fall out from his strained relationship with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ,and former Governor of the State George Akume.

The two are said to be locked in a bitter struggle for the control of the structure of APC in Benue state .

The tussle reportedly became public after the Local Council Elections. The rift between the two power houses is blamed on the location of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting from Markurdi the state capital to Abuja .

Similarly, the location of the tribunal sitting to Abuja by the State Chief Judge allegedly on the promptings of Akume, is believed to be at the root of the move by the State House of Assembly to remove the Chie Judge from office.

But reacting to the alleged move by the Governor to quit APC , Tersoo Kula ,his Media Aide, in a statement on Sunday, described the reports as” laughable and lame.

While debunking the rumoured defection as fake, the Governor’s spokesperson insisted that there is no crisis within the ranks of APC in the State.

Describing the Governor’s relationship with the Party Leadership and chieftains in the State as cordial, Kula maintained that the Governor has no intention to leave the APC now or in the near future.

“We read online wherein they alleged that Governor Hyacinth Alia is plotting to leave the APC amidst the brewing crisis in the Benue APC .

“For the unsuspecting public, the story is not true.

“There is no doubt about the Governor’s loyalty to the APC. He has been an active participant in the affairs of the party, including the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC sole candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election .

“The Governor’s presence at APC’s recent events, including the Zonal and National meetings at the Presidential Villa proves that he is aligned with the party.

“The APC leadership in the state is in no crisis as claimed in the unfounded report. The Party under the chairmanship of Hon. Benjamin Omale has a super working relationship with the Governor and has been performing its functions effectively”, Kula added.

According to the Media Aide, it will be strange for Governor Alia to be contemplating leaving APC at a time most opposition party Governors and others are jostling to join the party.

“At a time opposition Governors are joining the APC due to the policies and performance of the party under president Tinubu, it is laughable for any one to suggest that the Governor is contemplating defection from the party he is sponsoring in Benue state”, he asserted

Damagum Denies Sabotaging PDP By Working For APC Ahead 2027

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 25, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to allegations the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, has denied working with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to undermine his party.

Defending his relationship with former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following criticism by some party members that he is working with Wike to destroy the PDP, the Acting Chairman, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, saying he was committed to the ideals of the Party.

He swore never to work against the PDP for any reason.

“May God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he said, referring to allegations that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England.

Damagum further emphasised his long-standing commitment to the PDP, stating: “I have a history, since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want.”

Damagum also responded to critics of his relationship with Wike, acknowledging their association but denying any wrongdoing.

“For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said.

The PDP chairman expressed disappointment over the defection of some party members to the APC, describing it as a loss.

“We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for,” and insisted that none of the defectors could claim they were wronged by the party.

Addressing internal divisions within the PDP, Damagum admitted that disagreements are inevitable in any political party but maintained that the PDP remains united.

Damagum stated that “PDP is one. There are internal problems, because a party never lacks problems because its leaders are people, and people are in it, and everyone has their own interests,” he declared.

Damagum defended his leadership style, stating that he adheres to principles and refuses to yield to individuals.

Rumoured Bandits’ Attack: Ondo Police Command Deploys Special Squad To Churches, Mosques

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Following rumours of impending attacks on some Churches in Ondo State, the Police Command has ordered the deployment of special squads to places of worship in the State.

The impending attacks by bandits which was said to have been conveyed through a letter, has however been debunked by the command and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, who dismissed the rumours that there would be a possible attack by bandits on the ancient community.

There were even suggestions that St. Francis Catholicism Church, Owo, which was attacked three years ago, might again be the target of the attack.

The rumours come amid the reported plans by the palace of Olowo to organise a security summit to address possible planned attacks and other security concerns in the town.

Oba Ogunoye was quoted to have told the Media on Saturday that the rumours were meant to cause panic in Owo and its environs.

“It is fake news; there is nothing like that; we have been organising security summit.

“The media platform [which reported the rumour] just tried to generate traffic to its platform; so, there’s nothing like that,” the traditional ruler was quoted to have said.

Oba Ogunoye, who is the Chairman of Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council, said that the ancient town was peaceful.

The Police Command, in a statement on Sunday, also urged people to disregard the information.

But in the interim, the command, in a bid to forestall any breach, said it has deployed personnel to places of worship especially on special days.

The statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, Ayankade Olusola, stated that “the attention of the Ondo State Police Command has been drawn to reports circulating on some media platforms regarding an alleged letter purportedly written by a bandit involved in the tragic Owo Church attack, threatening to strike again.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that while the source and authenticity of the said letter remain unverified, the report has necessitated a prompt and strategic response in the interest of public safety.

“In response, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the heavy deployment of operational assets to all Churches and Mosques across the State, particularly, during days of worship.

“Surveillance and patrol activities have also been significantly intensified to forestall any potential attack and reassure the public of their safety.

“Residents of Ondo State are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear or panic.

“The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all lives and property in the State.”

Katsina: Gov Radda Mourns Community Watch Security Corps Killed By Bandits

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 25, 2025

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Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of five personnel of the State’s Community Watch Security Corps who were killed by banditry elements.

This is just as he led a high level security delegation to an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the gory killing of the security officials in Maharba village, Matazu Local Council of the State.

The Source reports that five personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps ,in charge of Kusada, Kankia and parts of Charanci Local Councils, including their Commander, Malam Sanusi were ambushed and killed on Saturday by bandits.

The five deceased security guards were traveling to Matazu Council following intelligence report which suggested that bandits were on their way to attacking the residents.

But unknown to them, bandits numbering over 20 ridding on motorcycles had laid in ambush, hiding on top of a mango tree, and subsequently attacked and killed all five.

Their operational Hilux van was set a blaze by the bandits.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Media Aide, Ibrahim

Mohammed, informed that the Governor was led to the scene of the unfortunate incident by the Executive Chairman of Matazu Local Government Area, Shamsudeen Muhammad Sayaya

The visit was said to have also afforded the Governor the opportunity to tour some remote and inaccessible areas within the Council so as to have a first hand information about the condition of residents.

The Governor similarly used the occasion of the visit to brief the rural communities on his administration’s plans and readiness to address the security challenges facing them

He reaffirmed his commitment towards collaborating with Security Agencies, and Community .om leaders in protecting both the civilian population and security operatives.

Further speaking on the measures put in place by the state Government to enhance security , Commissioner for Internal Security ,and Home Affairs ,Dr Nasiru Muazu , informed that a larger blueprint has been formulated on how to combat insecurity across the State.

” The state had in the recent time witnessed incessant banditry attacks on one hand ,and on the other hand recording successes in the fight against banditry activities,taking into consideration the efforts of the military against bandits around Ruwan Godiya.

The visit of the state Governor to the scene ,where the five officials of the community security watch corps were ambushed ,and killed by bandits was to see for himself ,and for the ministry to evaluate ,and make assessment of what happened”, Mauzu noted .

According to the Commissioner ,the assessment will enable the authorities to come up with more pragmatic methods towards combating insecurity in the state .

While praying God to give the families of the deceased security personnel the fortitude to bear the loss ,Governor Radda appealed to the people not to despair ,and continue to support the Government in its efforts to completely secure the state .

“I Will Restore Orlu As Imo’s Economic Hub”

By

The Source

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May 25, 2025

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The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has assured the people of Orlu of his administration’s resolve to restore the city as the business hub of the State.

He made the promise at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu weekend, where the leadership and members of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Diocese honoured his wife, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma with the prestigious Nneoma Nwerugwu Merit Award.

The CWO said the choice of the title for the First Lady of Imo State was in recognition of her outstanding motherly role since assuming that role.

Addressing the recent economic difficulties faced by the Orlu community which he attributed to the detrimental actions by those against progress, Governor Uzodimma emphasised that, “despite these obstacles, God has demonstrated His support for the area and envisioned a future where Orlu is recognised for its enterprise and community spirit.”

He however pledged support for the completion of the proposed N500 million Queen of Peace Female Hostel Complex, by immediately rallying support from his friends who accompanied him to the venue of the event at the Cathedral to make appreciable financial commitments for the project.

The Governor not only thanked the Orlu Diocesan CWO for the honour bestowed on his wife and other deserving mothers, but expressed gratitude over the support his family has received from the Bishop of the Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev (Dr.) Augustine Ukwuoma over the years.

Earlier in his homily, the Bishop Ukwuoma emphasised the special role of mothers in society, noting that “the Diocese recognises and rewards Catholic mothers who have made significant contributions to the service of God and humanity, as well as those who exhibit exemplary behaviour in their homes, parishes, and communities.”

Bishop Ukwuoma referenced notable mothers in the Bible who made positive impacts, but expressed concern that “many modern mothers are not living up to their roles as societal role models.”

He congratulated all the mothers who were honoured and urged all mothers to raise their children properly, asserting that “strong families are essential for a peaceful and secure nation.”

Bishop Ukwuoma who also praised the wife of the Governor for her motherly virtues and societal status, affirmed that she deserved the award given to her.

He however encouraged Mrs Uzodimma to continue supporting her husband in his efforts to work for the benefit of the State.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and that of Ebonyi State, Mrs Mary- Maudline Nwifuru were among the dignitaries at the event.