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Osun: Fmr LG Chairman, Two Others Shot Dead As PDP, APC Struggle To Take Over LG Secretariats

By
Ayodele Oni
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Remi Abass shot dead in Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Three persons among whom is former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Mr Remi Abass, were confirmed dead in Osun State on Monday as the struggle to take over the Local Councils escalated among members of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the premises in broad daylight on Monday, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that sent people fleeing for safety.

“It happened suddenly. Gunshots rang out, and everyone ran,” a local resident recounted under anonymity.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola.

Abass was among the Local Government Chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was sacked by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in November 2022.

Two more deaths have been recorded in Boripe Local Government Area following a violent clash between rival political groups allegedly linked to the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The victims, identified as Ege and Igara, were reportedly gunned down by suspected thugs. Sources revealed that Ege, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP, was his parents’ only son. His father is also a PDP member.

Another victim, identified as Yinka, a photographer, was shot and remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.

Trouble started when the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected during administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola attempted to resume at Local Government Secretariat across the State relying on a judgement by the Court of Appeal.

APC had said resumption by the Chairman and Councilors was consequent upon the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Akure, which upturned the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, that removed them.

Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Reassures Sustainability Of LCDAs, Swears In New LG Chairmen, Vice

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa Swears in LG Chairmen

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has reassured that the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), have come to stay.

The governor reiterated that their creation was based on the determination of the administration to bring governance closer to the people.

He spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the newly elected chairmen and vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, marking a significant step in restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level.

The swearing-in ceremony, followed the local government election conducted on January 18, 2025, in which candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won across all 18 local government areas and 203 councillorship positions.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the local government system as the third tier of government, in line with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the outcome of the elections reaffirmed the people’s overwhelming preference for the APC, which had previously secured a landslide victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election in the State.

“I must remind the elected Chairmen that the oath you have just taken is not a mere formality but a solemn promise to serve our people with integrity, honesty, and transparency.

“It is a commitment to deliver on the manifesto of our party and to improve the lives of our people at the grassroots level.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new Chairmen and their deputies to align their governance with his administration’s New Development Agenda, ‘O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun’ (OUR EASE), which focuses on seven key pillars.

He charged them to prioritize the welfare of their constituents, foster accountability, and collaborate with legislative councils and public servants. He

The Governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election and appreciated security agencies, election monitors, civil society organizations, and opposition parties for their roles in strengthening democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgone Transition Committee Chairmen and members for their service to the state, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.

“As we embark on this journey, let us work together to build a brighter future for our people. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our citizens deserve.

LAHA Labels Invasion Of Its Chamber By DSS, a National Embarrassment, Urges President Tinubu To Intervene

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State House of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have condemned the Invasion of its Chambers by  Operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, during Plenary as a national embarrassment.

They further described it as a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”

During a Plenary session attended by 36 members Monday, the lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the reasons behind the invasion.

It further called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and provide the public with a comprehensive briefing on the findings.

It also demanded that President Bola Tinubu  intervenes immediately and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Expressing their outrage, the Lawmakers unanimously condemned the invasion, and described it as an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic governance.

Speaking during the session, Hon. Abiodun Tobun said: “This is not a Government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”

He further affirmed the Lawmakers’ loyalty to the Speaker, saying: “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”

The Lawmakers suggested that powerful and influential individuals or groups might be behind the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

The House remained united in its stance, insisting on protecting the independence of the legislature and ensuring that such actions do not undermine democratic processes in the state.

Death Of Detainee In Cell: Family Petitions Ondo CJ, Insists Death Caused By Torture

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

Family of Tolu Bobade, a Detainee who was, reportedly, tortured to death in a police cell in Ondo State has demanded for justice in the matter.

In a petition to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, The Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola, signed by the deceased’s sister, Dupe Bobade, the family insisted that the deceased met his untimely death while in police cell at Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area.

But in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami,  stated that “one Tobi Bobade , one of the young men involved in the fight was brought to the station by one Mr. Losilosi. He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a postmortem examination.

His death resulted into the burning down of the Ifon Police Station by angry mob protesting his death.

The petition states “I write to you with a heart laden with grief and a fervent plea for justice on behalf of the Bobade family of Ifon, Ondo State.

“Our beloved son and brother, Master Tolu Bobade, aged 17, met an untimely and tragic death under circumstances that not only shock the conscience but also starkly contravene the laws of our nation.

“On the 14th of February, 2025, Tolu was arrested by officers of the Ifon Police Division under the directive of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isadare Funminiyi. During his detention, Tolu was subjected to severe torture, leading to his death on the 15th of February, 2024.

“In a grievous attempt to obscure their misconduct, the officers transported his lifeless body to Adelabu Hospital in Ifon, where it was rejected.

“Subsequently, they moved his remains to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where it was deposited in the morgue on their own without the knowledge of the family.

“The actions perpetrated by the Ifon Police Division are in direct violation of Nigeria’s legal statutes, which unequivocally prohibit torture and custodial abuse:

“In light of these egregious violations, we earnestly request  a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.

“That DPO Isadare Funminiyi and all officers involved be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in line with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act and the ACJA.

“The Bobade family seeks solace in the assurance that justice will prevail, not only to honour the memory of Tolu but also to reinforce the rule of law and deter future violations.”

LAHA Debunks Bomb Scare, Says Rumour Is Mischief, Plenary Ongoing

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has debunked the rumour of a bomb scare at its premises. The false rumour was dismissed by the Media Team of Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

It was gathered that there was a serious fisticuffs between the Lawmakers and Officials of the Department of State Security, DSS who wanted to halt the Plenary scheduled for today.

The Media team debunked the alleged pandemonium of a bomb scare, saying that the Lawmakers resisted the DSS from entering into the Chambers as Plenary was ongoing, leading to the rowdy session.

Though, there is heavy Security presence in the Chamber. Speculations were rife that Obasa is battle ready to return to the Assembly as Speaker which prompted him to, allegedly, want to halt the Plenary Session.

It would be recalled that Obasa had sued the new Speaker alongside the Lawmakers, praying that the Court should reinstate him as Speaker.

Canada Botched Trip: DHQ Tells Nigerians To Support Armed Forces, Berates False Report

By
Ayodele Oni
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Christopher Musa and Canadian high commissioner to Nigeria- James Christoff

By Ayodele Oni

The Defence Headquarters has urged Nigerians to disregard “the malicious allegations” and support the efforts of the armed forces to enhance national security and promote the welfare of servicemen and women.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday, faulted the allegations regarding Nigerian Military’s request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.

He urged Nigerians to support the officers, men and women who sustained various degree of injuries while protecting the nation.

According to him, the need for accurate information at this time can not be overemphasised.

Gusau pointed out that the Nigerian military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games with its team, that comprised of three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.

He explained that the Invictus Games Foundation catered for the team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.

“However, inspite of our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas.

“Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.

“Notwithstanding this setback, our team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver and bronze medals, proudly placing our nation and Africa on the global map of Invictus Games.

“Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.

“It is on record that the Chief of Defence Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people.

“The Invictus Foundation Centre, which is the first in Africa and currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel.”

Drug Mkt Closure: LP Reps Commend NAFDAC, Caution Against Hurting Innocent Traders Biz

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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NAFDAC

The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has commended ongoing efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC), to crack down on merchants of fake and counterfeit medicines. However, the caucus also urged the agency to exercise caution and ensure that its enforcement actions target only identified culprits, sparing the operations of innocent individuals and businesses.

NAFDAC recently sealed medicine markets in Idumota, Lagos state , Ariaria, in Aba, Abia state and Onitsha, in Anambra state.

The agency said its ongoing enforcement operations at these drugs markets was to rid the country of counterfeit and substandard medicines; however, many people operating in the affected markets have complained about the blanket disruption of businesses, including those of innocent people, causing grave losses of goods and money.

Responding to this development in a statement in Awka on Monday, February 17, 2025, Leader of the LP caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, said “While the LP Reps commend NAFDAC for it’s efforts at tackling the menace of fake and adulterated drugs, we enjoin them to go about the assignment in adherence with global best practices, such that legitimate and innocent traders are not caught in the quagmire.”

Victor Ogene

Hon. Ogene, who is also the leader of Anambra state caucus in the House of Representatives, said further: “For instance, it was reported that NAFDAC sealed the market and allegedly denied the traders and their leadership entry, as it’s officials proceeded to break into shops, carting away pharmaceuticals, without owners of such shops being allowed to witness the operation and take inventory.
Already, there are reports of some traders and Point of Sale (POS) operators who left varying sums of cash in their shops – the closure having taken place at the weekend – without any means of getting same back.”

Providing further insight, the lawmaker revealed that in Onitsha, NAFDAC’s enforcement actions extended beyond the Medicine Market (Ogbo Ogwu), also affecting the Plumbing Materials section, which was shut down about a week ago. This move has left traders frustrated, as they were abruptly locked out of their businesses.

The LP leader urged NAFDAC to exercise caution and sensitivity in its operations to avoid unfairly impacting the livelihoods of innocent vendors engaged in legitimate businesses in the affected markets. “This measured approach will help balance the agency’s regulatory mandate with the need to protect the interests of law-abiding entrepreneurs and traders,” Hon. Ogene said.

PSC Approves Appointment Of Moshood Jimoh As Commissioner Of Police, Lagos State Command

By
The Source
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Moshood Jimoh - CP Lagos State

The Police Service Commission, Monday  17th February 2025, approved the appointment of Olohundare  Moshood Jimoh as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command.

CP Jimoh, before his appointment,  was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority,  Eastern Ports.

Jimoh, who hails from Kwara State, was former Force Public Relations Officer and later Deputy Commissioner,  Airport Police; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration and Deputy Commissioner General Investigation.

He has undergone several professional trainings which include; Combat operations Course, Mobile Training College Maiduguri; African  Union Mission in Darfur Sudan;  Weapons of mass destruction  counter measure first responder  Training Institute, United  States; training on social  construction  and management  Reform  China Executive Leadership  Academy,  Pudong China; Training on Maritime Rescue and salvage for Developing Countries,  China Maritime Academy  Ningbo, China and Training  on  anti hijacking techniques  and tactics for developing countries, Yunnan Police College  kunmung, China. He was also at the Police training  Institute, Seoul South Korea.

CP Olohundare Moshod Jimoh is a recipient of  the Presidential  award for Public Relations Personality of the year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations  by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.

CP Jimoh appeared before the Commission today. Present were the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni,  Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, retired Justice of the   Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc  Honourable Commissioner representing the Police.

Security Operatives Barricade Lagos Assembly

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Police on Patrol

By Akinwale Kasali

There is heightened tension at the Lagos State House of Assembly as security operatives reportedly locked lawmakers inside their offices on Monday, February 17, 2025, following an alleged bomb scare.

The development comes amid the ongoing crisis in the Assembly following the recent removal of former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and the appointment of a new Speaker.

Reports indicate that the Assembly complex, including the Speaker’s office, has been barricaded by Security Operatives.

According to security sources, the lockdown is due to an alleged bomb scare within the premises. However, insiders suggest that the unfolding events is linked to efforts to pressure the newly appointed Speaker into resigning.

The unexpected security clampdown occurred just hours before the scheduled plenary session at 12 noon, raising further concerns about the stability of the legislative body.

Lawmakers and staff trapped inside the complex have reportedly been left in confusion, with many questioning the true motive behind the action.

As of the time of filing this report, official statements from the Assembly leadership and security agencies are yet to be released.

However, the situation remains tense as concerned observers await further developments.

Recall that Obasa had sued the Assembly and the new Speaker alleging he was illegally removed from office, and asking to be reinstated by the Court.

“No Regrets Supporting Gov Otti” – Wabara, PDP BoT Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Adolphus Wabara and Alex Otti

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the confusion over his suspension, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara has remained unrepentant in his support for Dr Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State. Wabara is from Abia.

The Source reports that penultimate week, the Abia State PDP Executive Council had slammed an indefinite suspension order on  the former President of the Nigerian Senate, citing alleged anti-party activities as a major reason.

The PDP in the State had specifically alluded to Wabara’s no-hold-bar positive assessment and subsequent endorsement of the Dr Otti-led Labour Party LP, administration for a second term in office.

The PDP BoT chairman at the occasion of his birthday celebration held in Umuahia, the State capital in 2023, lauded Otti’s credible performance in office within a short period .

Wabara then noted that should the LP Governor maintain his good track record of performance, he should then be assured that Abians will reward him with a second tenure.

But while announcing the suspension of  Wabara, the Abia state PDP Chairman, Comrade Abraham Amah described the BoT Chairman’s position as a serious betrayal of his party as well as an act unbecoming of a party leader.

According to Amah, the party in the state decided to wield the big stick after several futile efforts to get Wabara to withdraw his distasteful endorsement of  a rival political platform.

Although the National Working Committee NWC, in a statement issued by the spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, has since invalidated the suspension order, the BOT,Chairman has remained unapologetic about his assessment of the performance of the Abia State Governor.

In a statement issued on Monday by Governor Otti’s Media Aide ,Ukoha Njoku, the PDP BoT, Chairman while speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr Eme Okoro, a former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, during the first tenure of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, insisted on the sanctity of his assessment.

At the event which held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, same venue he had first passed his vote of confidence in 2023,  the PDP BoT Chairman noted that  as an Abian, he has the right to comment on the affairs of the State .

“Before becoming a PDP card-carrying member, before becoming an NRC ( National Republican Convention) card-carrying member in this State, I Adolphus Nduneweh Wabara, was first and foremost a citizen of Abia State.

“Politics ends after campaigns. After elections, you face governance. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia today

“I am saying it again. May be now they can expel me, after their suspension order. But having said so ,our ancestors in Abia are with you”, Wabara was quoted as telling Governor Otti.

According to the statement ,the PDP BoT chairman, also challenged the leadership of the party to equally suspend Okoro, the celebrant, who  Governor Otti, has come to celebrate.

“I will  continue to appreciate you. I have not mentioned Labour Party. I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are with you”, Wabara told Otti,

The PDP BoT Chairman said he cannot be suspended and expelled by anybody for only speaking the truth which is too glaring for every body to see.

This is even as he vowed to continue to appreciate the Governor ,so long as he remains  on the right track

On his part, Governor Otti, informed that it is in the spirit of respecting elders that he attended the birthday celebration of Dr Eme Okoro. He vowed to maintain the posture irrespective of party affiliations.

“I will return to the International Conference Centre next time to celebrate Senate Enyinnaya Abaribe who will turn 70 years by March 1, 2025, and Senator Chris Adighijie who turns 80 years on March 22, 2025”, Gov Otti stated.

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