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“It’s Fake, There Is No Batch B February Training” – PSC

By
The Source
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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The attention of the Police Service  Commission has been drawn to a trending fictitious and misleading story in the social media on the resumption of training for an imaginary batch B of the 2022 Constable Recruitment.

The Commission is disturbed on the continuous use of the name of its Spokesman,  Mr. Ikechukwu Ani on these diversionary publications obviously planted to cause mischief and mislead innocent young Nigerians who are desirous of a career in the Nigeria Police Force.

The fictitious publication captioned, “Police Recruitment: Batch B Candidates starts training February 16; PSC/NPF  Endorses  https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng portal-calls on Batch B candidates  to stick to it for information.”

The fraudsters also attached a telephone no; 09027314596 where they are expected to fraudulently dupe unsuspecting Nigerian youths.

The Police Service Commission wishes to distance itself and its Spokesman from this obviously misleading and libelous story. The Commission states as follows;

  1. That at no time did it discuss, approve or issue any Press Release on the above phantom publication.
  2. That the new Recruits are still in training and will be passing out later this month and no decision has been taken on when the next recruitment will commence.

iii. That the Commission in line with its standard Operating procedures will issue an official statement on subsequent decision on recruitment for this year.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has directed the Nigeria Police Force to quickly arrest these fraudsters who are bent to undermine the Commission and dupe unsuspecting Nigerian youths.

The Chairman advised that the misleading story should be discountanced as the Commission is yet to take any decision on recruitment for this year.

He noted that the Commission will continue to be transparent and ensure that its recruitment is merit based and in line with established rules and regulations.

DIG Argungu said interested Nigerians should be patient and await Commission’s official statement on this year’s Recruitment.

Lagos: Prophet Seals Gbajabiamila, Seyi Tinubu’s Fate; Says They Can’t Be Gov

By
James Orji
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Femi Gbajabiamila

Two years into the governorship race in Lagos state, Primate Elijah Ayodele has ruled out the chances of potential aspirants such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu to become the governor of the Centre of Excellence.

Apart from Gbajabiamila and Seyi Tinubu, other aspirants said to be interested in the race include, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Jide Adeniran aka Jandor, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governorship candidate, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, the Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, amongst others.

But Primate Ayodele has one message for the aspirants’ none of them will smell the Alausa Government House.

His prediction is contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Osho Oluwatosin on Wednesday. He urged the politicians not to embark on fruitless exercise as their dream of ruling the state would not be realised.

He also warned the Labour Party, LP 2023 Governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor to forget his aspirants as someone else has been chosen to lead the state.

Muri-Okunola

According to him, the supernatural has picked Muri Okunola, the current Principal Secretary to President Tinubu, as the next governor of the state, adding “Except things change, I see Hakeem Muri-Okunola taking the lead in the governorship race.”

Okunola, a former Head of Service and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, is very close to the president, and has been rumoured to be among those being groomed to succeed the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu whose two-term tenure expires in 2027.

Part of the statement, read; “The Lagos state governorship race in 2027 will be a tough one that will see some powerful people humiliated. Many of those who seem interested at the moment will be disappointed.

“I want to advise Tokunbo Abiru, Gbenga Ashafa, Seyi Tinubu, Jide Adeniran, and Gbadebo Rhodes not to bother themselves, they won’t become governor in 2027 if they attempt to contest. They shouldn’t allow people push them to show interest, it won’t work.”

“Except things change, I see Hakeem Muri-Okunola taking the lead in the governorship race. If Femi Gbajabiamila has an ambition, it’s only God that can help him, he needs to seek the face of God because they will destroy his plans. They will fight him spiritually.”

Meanwhile, Ayodele’s prediction comes on the heels of the impeachment of Mudasiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the state house of assembly, who was rumoured to be a major contender for the state governorship race.

Obasa was impeached on Monday  by members of the state Assembly who accused him of corruption and high-handedness.

Five Killed As Security Operatives Dismantle Criminal Camps In Anambra

By
The Source
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Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has called for the unalloyed cooperation and collaboration with residents and relevant stakeholders to enable security agencies take back  the space so as to deny criminal elements the environment they crave .

This is even as the  Police Command, on Wednesday, January, 15, 2025, announced the killing of five suspected members of the militant arm of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in Ufuma,Orumba North Local Council of the State.

A statement from its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, noted that the hoodlums and their operational camps were neutralized and dismantled in a joint security offensive launched on Tuesday January 14.

The operations which he described as highly successful were targeted at suspected gangs whose stronghold are  located  along the Umugem Road Ufuma ,in Orumba North Council.

Several other members of the criminal gangs, according to  him ,fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries .

According to him, the dismantling of criminal hideouts in the State ,is a continuous exercise aimed at restoring sanity in the state

The operational camps of the hoodlums ,he noted, were also raze, while various weapons and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices IED, two AK-47 riffles, a pump-action gun and dangerous objects were recovered.

Ikenga further emphasized the very  critical role played by the collaborative efforts of various security agencies ,and availability of credible intelligence in the success of the operations .

The State Police Commissioner, he

noted, has, therefore, called for the continued cooperation of the people in the task of rooting out criminal elements from the state.

The Source reports that Anambra State has been facing a torrid time of late, following serial incidences of arsonist attacks, kidnappings, wanton killing of innocent residents and unmitigated cases of violence.

Unfortunately, the State  authorities, and to some extent ,the security architecture appear to be overwhelmed .

Gunshots Scare Edo Governorship Tribunal Members, Lawyers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Edo Governorship Tribunal

By Ayodele Oni

On a day it commenced full hearing, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal experienced a chaotic situation on Wednesday following sounds of sporadic gun shots near the venue.

The tribunal had adjourned to Wednesday, for the commencement of hearing on the petition filed by Dr Asue Ighodalo and his Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), to challenge the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), as the winner of the 21, September, 2024, election.

However, gunshots near the Tribunal venue in Benin City caused chaos, forcing lawyers, politicians, and reporters to scamper for safety.

The shootings occurred close to the Tribunal venue at the Edo High Court Complex along Sapele Road.

Security personnel quickly intervened, restoring order which enabled the Tribunal proceedings to continue.

Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable and urging for justice against those responsible.

“The Tribunal is a sacred space where justice should be dispensed impartially. Any act of violence within its confines undermines the very foundation of our legal system and jeopardises the safety of everyone present.”

In a statement Tenebe, blamed the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the shooting incident.

He said: “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

“Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

“Violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.”

Seven political parties, including the PDP, SDP, and ZLP, have filed petitions challenging the election outcome.

“Rivers Not 6th Igbo State”, INC Cautions Politicians To Stop Inciting Ethnic Crisis

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Ijaw National Congress, INC,  Worldwide, has raised alarm over alleged plots by mischievous politicians and enemies of Rivers State to incite ethnic crisis in the State.

The Group further urged the people of the State to desist from listening to people fanning the embers of hatred and crisis, saying that statements capable of causing ethnic crisis in the state should be avoided.

The National Publicity Secretary of INC, Worldwide, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, made this appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyakemeagbegha said his advice follows assertions in some quarters that Rivers is the 6th Igbo state.

He said the statement was misleading as it does not reflect the true situation in Rivers.

He said the fact that an Ikwerre indigene emerged the President General of a `faction’ of Ohaneze Worldwide does not confer the status of 6th Igbo state on Rivers as claimed by one Ikwerre indigene.

“The INC ordinarily would not have responded to such reports if not for the fact that such publications can mislead the gullible reading public.

“For the education of our people and the entire reading public, the INC wishes to state, categorically, that Rivers, as currently populated cannot be referred to as an Igbo State.

“Rivers population currently has more than 50 per cent as Ijaws. There are also other ethnic nationalities like Ogoni, Ekpeye, and Eleme.

“Concede that there are people within the lkwerre ethnic nationality who trace their origin to the Igbo ethnic nationality.

“The fact still remains that they are infinitesimal as some historians within the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality are daily disputing their ties to the Igbo,” he said.

He said similarly, it would be unjust for Ijaw nation to claim ownership of States by mere fact that such States contain Ijaw population.

“For the sake of clarity, the fact that Ijaw exists in states like Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia does not make such States Ijaw states.

“Also that Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President of INC is from Delta, does not automatically convert it to Ijaw state.

“Ijaws lay claim only to Bayelsa as an Ijaw State simply because it is predominately occupied by the Ijaws. The fact of geography, history and ethnic web does not lie.

“Ijaws are not ready to concede any inch of their land to anybody. For those who have little flair for history, ljaws are known never to bow to anybody,’’ Oyakemeagbegha said.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Dissolves Ondo Exco, Retains Two Commissioners

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect. 

This decision, however, spares two cabinet members: Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, the Commissioner for Finance. 

A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan on Wednesday, stated that as a result of the dissolution, all affected cabinet members are required to hand over government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries. 

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the  members for their service and contributions to the development of Ondo State, wishing them well in their future endeavors.

This move, which is seen a part of preparations for the inauguration of Aiyedatiwa, for the commencement of his regime,  marks a significant change in the state’s administration, and it will be interesting to see how the new developments unfold.

Aiyedatiwa is expected to complete the two term tenure of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu next month  and commences his own term as Governor of the state.

He had won November 2024 Governorship election on the ticket of the All Progressive Congress, (APC).

Is Bafawara Headed For APC After Dumping PDP?

By
James Orji
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Attahiru Bafarawa

Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, of  Sokto state has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

His exit from the party was announced in a letter he wrote to the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun on Monday, January 13, 2024.

The former governor did not give further details other than his need to pursue a new ‘chapter’ of his life.

Bafara who ruled the state for eight years maximum is quiting the party amidst the deep-seated crisis it has faced since the 2023 presidential election. Not a few leaders of the party has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last few months.

It however remains unclear whether the former governor was heading for the APC.

He said his new goal is the pursuit of empowering the youths, thanking the PDP for giving him the opportunity to serve as a member of the party, saying exuting th party was a ‘difficult’ decision for him to make.

According to him, “This decision, though deeply personal and difficult, is borne out of my commitment to a new chapter of service that aligns with my vision of uplifting humanity through empowering the youth.

“Over the years, I have been honoured to be part of the PDP, a platform that has significantly shaped Nigeria’s political landscape and contributed immensely to nation building.

“However, I have recently dedicated myself to a new youth movement that seeks to inspire, empower, and transform the lives of our young people, who are the bedrock of our nation’s future.

“My focus will now be solely on creating avenues for youth empowerment, fostering innovation, and promoting values that build a prosperous future for all.

“I remain grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to the party and its ideals. I commend the leadership and members for their relentless efforts to promote democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

“As I transition into this new phase of my life, I seek your understanding and wish the PDP continued success in its endeavours. Thank you for your guidance, camaraderie, and the opportunity to serve under this noble platform.”

Close watchers of the PDP informed the magazine that some leaders of the party are trying to find their way out of the party, for opportunity elsewhere due to the protracted crisis that has rocked the party for moths.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: 5m Soldiers Required To Fight Boko Haram, ISWAP – Veteran

By
James Orji
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Armed forces Rem day

Amidst the ongoing war against terrorists and bandits in the country, a retired Nigerian Army Colonel, and civil War veteran Musa Salam has urged the federal government to recruit more Nigerians into the armed forces.

According to Salam who fought in the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970, no fewer than 5 million service men will be required to man the nation’s porous borders against infiltration of armed men into the country.

The veteran who is the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State chapter spoke on Channels Television Morning show on Wednesday in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Day.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day  is a yearly event to celebrate Nigeria’s fallen heroes, particularly those that fought in the Civil War.

His remarks comes as the nation’s armed forces struggle to contain Boko Haram terrorist and bandits in the nations’ North east and North west.

Last week, some Boko Haram/ ISWAP  terrorists invaded a military camp in Danboa, Borno state killing at least six soldiers.

Many of the terrorists were neutralized by the brave soldiers, but analyst insist that the attack was an indication that the forces of evil have yet to be totally decimated as claimed by the military.

Amidst the battle against Boko Haram and ISWAP, a new terrorist group, Lukarawa had recently emerged in the country’s North west state of Sokoto, and are now setting up camps across the region, according to reports.

Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, DHQ, while confirming the attack in a statement few days ago said some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price while trying to repel the terrorists.

The statement said “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of  ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of  DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight.

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.

Salam said Nigeria with over 200 million people required more soldiers in the Army, Airforce, and Navy with adequate weapons to be able to contain the danger posed by the criminals to the nation’s territorial integrity.

According to checks, as of January 2025, the Nigerian Armed Forces have more than 230,000 active personnel, making it the biggest uniformed combat services in the continent.

He lamented a situation where Nigerian soldiers are forced to fight the terrorists using inferior weapons, saying the criminals have advantage over Nigerians troops because of the sophisticated weapons in their custody.

CBN’s N1.35bn Fines Against Banks Fail To Curb Naira Scarcity

By
James Orji
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ATM Machines

The Yemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has hammered nine commercial banks in the country for failing to dispense naira notes through their Automated Teller Machines, ATMs.

The sanctioned banks include the United Bank for Africa, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, Keystone Bank, Globus Bank, Union Bank, Sterling Bank, First Bank  and Providus Bank.

Instructively, few hours after the banks were sanctioned many customers who visited the banks’ ATMs on Wednesday said the problems have yet to be ameliorated, as most of the cash dispensing machines are still very empty.

“I had to resort to the POS people to collect some cash, to enable me pay for transport to where I was going after I realised that my bank did not load their ATMs with cash. Initially, I wanted to go to the bank hall to see if I can get some, but the hall had already been filled to the brims,” Gbenga, a bank customer in Oshodi said.

Another customer, Musa told the magazine that “efforts to withdraw cash at his bank’s ATM in Mile 2 proved abortive because “by the time I got there in the morning the security told me ‘other customers have withdrew all the cash’.

He said the cash problems that started before the yuletide has persisted in the new year wondering whether he has ‘to write applications to get what rightly belongs to’ him.

For Ogechi, a business woman in Abule Egba, a suburb of Lagos, the story was slightly different as her bank ATM only made it possible for “you to withdraw N5,000 and N10,000” maximum. She appealed to the authority to make enough cash available because there are some ‘people who will not accept transfer from you’ after transacting business with them.

CBN said, “Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability,” warning that it will continue to sanction commercial banks which failed to ensure that cash are readily made available to customers through ATMs.

For the infractions, the apex bank said the banks have been fined N150 million each, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the CBN spokesperson, Hakama Ali.

The apex bank warned of serious sanction if the infractions persist, urging commercial banks to make cash available on demand at the ATM and other distribution channels.

“The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” Hakama said.

Meanwhile, two sources in the commercial banks said today that they are trying to deal with the problem. “But we cannot manufacture cash on our own. We can only dispense what we get from the CBN” one of the sources said.

Ojeikere, Edo Indigene, Is Abia State’s New Head Of Service

By
The Source
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Benson Ojeikere and Alex Otti

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has just  reaffirmed his commitment to meritocracy, applied his policy of ‘’If you live in Abia, You are Abian’’ and demonstrated the true meaning of ONE NIGERIA as captured in the letters of the National Anthem, ‘‘Though Tribe and Tongue, May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand’’

Otti has just sworn-in Edo-born Mr. Benson Ojeikere a South-Southerner, as Abia State’s Head of Service.

Here is his story, according to Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

“Mr. Ojeikere was a Youth Corps Member from Edo State posted to Abia State in the late 90s, and from sheer hard work, he emerged as the best Corps member and was given automatic employment in the State Civil Service.

Mr. Ojeikere was appointed a permanent secretary in 2023 under the administration of Governor Otti.

“He emerged as the best in the selection process for the Head of Service of the State and was appointed to the position on merit and competence.

“In his short speech during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti congratulated Mr. Ojeikere for emerging the best in the selection process and challenged him to transform the State Civil Service into an effective and efficient workforce.

Earlier in his address, the newly minted Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere thanked the Governor for the rare and unusual opportunity given to him to serve as the State’s No. 1 Civil Servant. He promised to work with the Government to reposition the State Civil Service and make it a model that other States within and outside Nigeria will come to learn from.”

Mr. Ojeikere confirmed to those still doubting if it is true that a non-Igbo is the Abia State Head of Service.

The ceremony was witnessed by all Government appointees present during the first enlarged State Executive Council Meeting of the year.

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