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PSC Appoints Towuru DIG To Represent South-South As Pedro Retires

By
The Source
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AIG Jonathan Towuru

The Police Service -Commission has appointed AIG Jonathan Towuru, AIG Zone 6, Calabar, as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

He will be replacing DIG Daniel Sokari Pedro, DIG ICT and representing the South South Geopolitical Zone in the Police Management Team.

Towuru who was born on 6th December, 1965 at Ouwodo kpokpo olomu town Ughelli South LGA Delta State will now represent the Zone in the Police Management Team.

He previously served as Assistant Commissioner of Police state CID Enugu 2011, Deputy Force Secretary 11, Force Headquarters Abuja 2012, Deputy Commandant Police College Maiduguri Borno state 2014, Deputy Force Secretary  2019, Commissioner of Police Western Port Apapa Lagos 2022 and AIG zone 6 Headquarters Calaba Cross River State.

PSC Chairman,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni,  who presided over the session called on the new DIG to bring his vast experience in Policing to bear on his new office.

DIG Argungu said as a Member of the Police Management Team, he should be ready to contribute to the advancement of the ideals of the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that the Commission will continue to support the Police to achieve its goals and ensuring that the nation is freed of crime and criminality.

Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and representing the Judiciary  in the Commission; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, representing the Police and chief Onyemuchi Nnamani Secretary to the Commission attended the session where the new DIG was subjected to Written examination and oral interview.

The new DIG was accompanied by an  Assistant Commissioner of Police Ikenna Ezenna from the Force Secretary’s office, Force Headquarters Abuja

How Cross River State Commissioner, Robert Ewa Died After Exco Meeting

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Cross River State Commissioner- Robert Ewa

By Akinwale Kasali

Robert Ewa, Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, died on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the state capital.

The late Ewa was present at the State Executive Council Meeting earlier on Wednesday, presided by Governor Bassey Otu.

His death surprised many who saw him at the State Executive Council Meeting from which later excused himself.

Mourning his demise, Governor Otu through his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, said, “Ewa died yesterday.

“He was present at the state executive council meeting. He even contributed during the presentation.

“A few minutes later, he excused himself and I think his driver drove him to the Clinic. So we never knew that he went to a hospital.

“So it was from the hospital that he went to, that news came back to the governor that he had died.”

He said Governor Otu received the news with shock, adding that his death remains shocking and surprising.

Before his death, Ewa served as Secretary and later, Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council.

He also served as Special Adviser Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.

“Nwapa:  “Death Is Turn By Turn  – Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has paid glowing tribute to the late foremost educationist and intellectual, Sir Christopher Ijoma Nwapa, describing him as a source of pride and inspiration for many.

Sir Nwapa, whom the Governor described as the “last of the best” noted that he led a fulfilled life of impact, hence he challenged the Christian faithful to borrow a leaf from the deceased lifestyle.

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of St Mary Magdalene, Oguta during the funeral service of Sir Nwapa, Governor Uzodimma reminded all that since death to every mortal is compulsory and turn by turn without notice, it behoves on everyone to lead a life where the legacy they will be leaving behind will never be forgotten.

Said the Governor: “It is turn by turn and before our turn we should endeavour to write our history for posterity. When it is our turn what will we be remembered for when we leave this earth?  For C-Fine he is remembered for good.”

The Governor welcomed all the dignitaries across the country who graced the funeral and encouraged them to relax and feel at home as the State is safe and secured.

Governor Uzodimma who reminisced on the kind of man the Oguta born Sir Nwapa was added: “At times I wonder why good people die.  C-Fine was fantastic, one of the best and brightest produced in this region. Chief Nwapa showed people the way to education, entrepreneurship, intelligence, farming and agriculture and above all, he proved to be one of the most humble people to be remembered in life. He is an example of what life should be, because he demonstrated all that is needed in life, encapsulated in civilization, education and encouraging l all to learn.”

To the immediate family, the Governor reminded them that Sir Nwapa left them with a “robust address and a big shoe that may be difficult to fill,” and encouraged them to follow the footsteps of their father rooted in service to humanity and God.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese on the Lake, The Rt. Rev. Chijioke Otti urged all Christian faithful to lead a life of impact that is positive on those around them, whether in the community, Church or anywhere they may find themselves in the world they belong.

He listed five ways Christians can live an impactful life to include being Intentional in their actions and decisions, being true to their values and beliefs and refusing to be pushed around by people’s opinion, approaching life with unbound frame of mind and refusing to be limited by circumstances, by volunteering in the service to God and humanity, and finally, by showing impact through the works they do that affect people.

Bishop Otti said that Sir Nwapa acquitted himself properly in all the five ways, describing him as a rare being.

He prayed for the well-being of the family he left behind, and for all who graced the funeral.

Present at the Funeral Service were,  the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, the former Governor of Anambra State/2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and the husband, Chukwuma.

Others include Chief Executive Officers of Zenith, Fidelity and Nova Banks,  Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Dr. Nneka Onyeali- Ikpe, and Philips Oduoza respectively.

Also present were the founder of Seplat Energy, Dr. ABC Orjiakor,  political Party chieftains and leaders of thought like the Co Chairman of Southern Traditional Rulers Council/Chairman of Imo Elders Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council, the Clergy, the Knights/Ladies of St. Christopher, Service Chiefs and many other VIPs too numerous to mention.

NADECO USA Denounces Threat  Against Peter Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

NADECO USA says it has unequivocally condemned the anti-democratic, appalling,

and dangerous statement made by Mr. Felix Morka, the National

Publicity Secretary of the APC, against Mr. Peter Obi, the Labor Party’s

presidential candidate in the 2023 election and a prominent opposition

leader in Nigeria.

According to the Group, Morka’s inflammatory remarks—”Peter Obi Has Crossed the Line So

Many Times and Has It Coming to Him Whatever He Gets”—are nothing

short of a calculated and menacing call to incite harm and intimidation

against Mr. Obi.

Such reckless and unguarded words, NADECO said, betrays  a deliberate

attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate one of the leading voices of

democratic reform in Nigeria.

Moreover, NADECO noted,  Morka’s baseless assertion that Mr. Obi left no legacy after his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State is a blatant

falsehood designed to smear his reputation. Mr. Obi’s achievements in

governance, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure development are

well-documented and widely recognized both nationally and

internationally.

Said the Group:

“As a pro-democracy organization, NADECO USA stands firm in its

commitment to the protection of democratic principles and the rights of

all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations. Threats, intimidation, and divisive rhetoric have no place in a civil society.

“These actions from APC leaders suggest a deliberate strategy to undermine

opposition voices and pave the way for further authoritarian measures

ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The APC, under the leadership of Mr. Tinubu, is escalating a pattern of

repressive behavior aimed at silencing critics of its disastrous

administration. This is not merely a political maneuver; it is a direct

attack on the fundamental values of democracy, accountability, and

freedom of expression.

NADECO USA firmly supports Mr. Peter Obi, who has consistently

championed democracy, transparency, and good governance.

“Despite

relentless attacks, Mr. Obi has shown commendable restraint by urging

his supporters to avoid violence and adhere to the rule of law. It is,

therefore, ludicrous and hypocritical for the APC to accuse him of

crossing undefined ‘lines.’ What ‘lines’ has he crossed other than

exposing the administration’s failures?

“We call on all Nigerians to categorically reject these divisive, threatening

tactics and to uphold the ideals of democracy, tolerance, and mutual

respect. The deliberate targeting of political opponents is a grave threat to the stability and progress of Nigeria.

“NADECO USA warns that these remarks could signal an ominous test of

the Nigerian people’s resolve by the APC. As such, we urge citizens to

brace themselves for potential challenges and remain steadfast in

resisting any attempts to derail democratic progress.

“A few weeks ago, it

was the arrest of Mr. Dele Farotimi, and now this. Nigerians should

expect more in the coming months and years leading up to the 2027

presidential election.

We demand that the APC and its representatives immediately cease

their incendiary rhetoric and focus on fostering a constructive dialogue

that addresses the genuine needs and aspirations of Nigerians. NADECO

will not sit idly by while threats and coercion are used to suppress

political opposition and intimidate those advocating for change.

“Lloyd F. Ukwu, Esquire

President /CEO of NADECO USA”

Obi: Angry LP Caretaker Committee Lashes APC’s Morka

By
The Source
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Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

The National Leadership of the Labour Party has expressed dismay over the alleged threat against Peter Obi, its Presidential Candidate in the 2023, by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Felix Morka.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party said said:

“It is with great concern and a deep sense of responsibility that I, condemn the recent incendiary remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during his appearance on national television on the 5th of January 2025.

“His statements not only pose a direct threat to the life, reputation, and business interests of Mr. Peter Obi but also constitute an affront to the principles of democracy, decency, and responsible political engagement.

“Mr. Peter Obi, a man of impeccable character, has devoted his life to the service of Nigeria and the pursuit of good governance. He has consistently demonstrated that competence, merit, and respect for the rule of law should guide leadership. To attack him with baseless allegations and threats is an indication of the APC’s inability to engage constructively on the issues that matter to Nigerians.

“Such inflammatory rhetoric has no place in our democracy. It undermines national unity, discourages productive political discourse, and endangers lives. We remind Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership that words have consequences. The Labour Party will hold them accountable for any harm that befalls Mr. Peter Obi or his associates.

“We urge security agencies to investigate this matter and ensure that those who use public platforms to incite violence or issue veiled threats are held to account. Political leaders must rise above pettiness and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.

“The Labour Party remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of transparency, justice, and inclusion. We will not be cowed or distracted by threats or intimidation. Mr. Peter Obi represents hope and progress for millions of Nigerians, and we will continue to stand by him in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.

“The APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary. Anything less would be a tacit endorsement of such reckless and dangerous behavior.

“As leaders, we owe it to Nigerians to promote peace, unity, and responsible political dialogue. Let us not forget that the true measure of leadership lies in how we treat one another, even in the face of disagreement.”

Move Against Bandits Relocating To Region – Afenifere Tells SW Govs

By
Ayodele Oni
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Southwest Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has called on Governors of the South- west  to meet and map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.

The group also advised governments in the region to take the security of their area more seriously given the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.

The body made the call in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi, following the disclosure by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that bandits being dislodged in the northern part of Nigeria are camping in parts of Oyo State.

While speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, Makinde disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.

He revealed that “During a security briefing this morning, I learnt that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.”

To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month:

“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometers from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”

According to Afenifere, a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.

“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.

Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives, and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.

While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.

“For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet people are living in the Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp.

“It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”

Judiciary Workers Strike: NBA Issues A Five-Day Ultimatum To Abia State Government

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has decried the severe disruption of judicial activities in Abia  State, as well as the  excruciating effects on court users.

This is even as the umbrella body of legal practitioners called on the Abia State Government to resolve  its disagreement with judiciary workers within  the next five working days to save the system from further paralysis .

The Source reports that Judiciary workers in the State, had, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, reactivated its earlier suspended industrial action.

It will be recalled that the Abia State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had, in October last year, proceeded on an indefinite strike action, citing  the failure of the  State Government to meet the demands of its members, ranging from the non- payment of gratuities, entitlements to exclusion from the recently approved  N70,000 minimum wage as reasons.

However, the industrial action was suspended after a few days following a Memorandum of Understanding MoU entered into between the  State Government and JUSUN.

The alleged non- implementation of the terms of the MoU by the Government was to trigger yet  another  strike action on Jan, 2, a development that has since paralyzed court actives in the State.

But rising from its emergency meeting in Aba on Thursday, January 9, the five branches of NBA in Abia State regretted that the disagreement between the workers and the state Government has left a sour taste  in the mouths of not a few in the State.

Specifically, the body lamented that the locking up of Courts has led to anguish on the part of pretrial inmates, stalling of criminal prosecutions as well as denying  citizens access to justice.

Consequently, the Abia NBA branches noted that the lingering disagreement has resulted in increased crime rate, overcrowded prisons and a significant loss in revenue on the part of court users, including lawyers.

In a communique jointly issued by Charles Onuchukwu, (Aba branch), Issac Anya (Umuahia branch), Eze Nwaegoruo  (Isiala Ngwa branch), KOK Ojike (Ohafia branch), and Kingsley Nwachi (Ukwa Branch), the NBA urged the State Government to within the next five days, ensure that the issues are resolved and courts re- opened.

Highlights of the communique include a call on the Governor, Dr Alex Otti’s administration to urgently implement the new national minimum wage and salary adjustments under the Consolidated Judicial .Salary Structure CONJUSS

“The body demands the  payments of the arrears  and benefits for Judiciary retirees as being demanded by JUSUN.

“The judiciary in Abia State has been effectively shut down, leaving innocent citizens and legal practitioners as collateral damage in this standoff.

“We urge the  Government to urgently address the issue of shortage of Judges in the state.

“The body has resolved  to convene a stakeholders meeting with the Chief Judge of the State, the Attorney General, Senior lawyers and other relevant parties to resolve issues surrounding judicial appointments.

“The Body equally demands  the immediate publications of the results of the February, 2024, aptitude tests for aspiring Customary Court Chairmen. It urged the Judicial Service Commission JSC, to act in this regard without further delay.

“The body calls on the Abia state Government to urgently address JUSUN’s demands within five working days to prevent further  harm to the State’s judicial system.

“The continued inaction by the Government jeopardizes the rule of law and undermines public trust in the judiciary.

“We stand ready to engage constructively ,but insist on immediate action for the greater good of Abia state”, the NBA communique reads in part.

Edo Targets N10bn Monthly Revenue, Set To Digitalize System

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Government has said that it is targeting a monthly Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of over N10 billion Naira in the months ago.

Speaking on Thursday, January 9, 2024, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service EIRS, Oladele Bankole Balogun, emphasized the readiness of the authorities to shore up the state’s internally generated revenue profile from its present N6.4 billion to N10 billion monthly.

He expressed the commitment of the current Edo State Government towards  widening its tax net, as well as plugging all loopholes within the system.

He informed that  Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has signaled its intention to finance a substantial part of its projects through IGR .

“Governor Monday Okpebholo has a bold vision for the State, and is set to usher in a new era of efficient revenue collection, ensuring increased resources for the State’s development

“We are committed to cleaning up the system ,blocking loopholes and phasing out manual revenue collection .It is time to modernize our process”, Balogun noted .

According to him, the EIRS has received the nod from the Governor, to rejig the State’s revenue collection system targeting the introduction of modern cutting-edge technologies.

The revenue Board Chairman insisted that the envisaged technology-driven system will potentially minimize, if not completely eliminate leakages, inefficiencies, as well as shore up revenue profile.

“We aim to double what the State is currently generating. Our IGR presently hovers between N6 .4 billion and N7.8 monthly. There is nothing stopping us from achieving N12 billion monthly in the long run.

“But our immediate  target is N10 billion ,after implementing all the reforms we are about to introduce”, he stated.

Speaking further, Balogun stressed that the old practice whereby revenue collection officials will line the road, armed with sticks, in pursuit of citizens has long become outdated and counter- productive.

“Such anachronistic revenue collection  system, is not only  crude ,but breeds the diversion of  Government statutory revenues into private pockets”, he noted.

Nnamdi Kanu: Religious Leaders Vow To Work Against Re-election Of South East Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nnamdi Kanu in Court

By Ayodele Oni

Some Clerics of Igbo extraction  have expressed surprise that notable politicians, especially governors could not make case for the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the region.

The Clerics operating under the aegis of Concerned Igbo Ministers of God accused the governors of paying lip service to the widespread agitation for the release of the Igbo Nation agitator, Kanu, who is being detained on the order of a Court by the Federal Government in the past four years.

The Governors were particularly accused of betraying the Igbo Nation’s common interest by not putting pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to allow Kanu off the hook in spite of popular agitation to the effect.

The accusations were contained in an open letter sent to the South East Governors and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

The open letter was signed by Rev Tony Uzo Anthony (President General/ International Coordinator and Apostle Tony Osuji, Secretary General.

Part of the letter dated January 8, 2025 read “It is now evident that Mr. President and the South Eastern governors took an oath not to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Last week, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu revealed their deal before the 2023 general election with Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, with the approval of his father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how Kanu would be released if Tinubu wins the Presidency.

“During his campaign in Imo state, the President promised that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would be liberated during his  Presidency, but nothing has happened in nearly two years now.

“Sad enough, no South Eastern governor confronted Mr. President during his tour to the region about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s infamous and illegal detention.

“It is now evident to everyone that our South Eastern governors are the true source of insecurity in the South East, otherwise they should have pressed for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu who has a lasting solution to the insecurities in the region.

“Mr. President, being misled by the South Eastern Governors is on a path that can ruin his name and political ambitions in the region.

“God would appear in his time to expose the actions of the South Eastern governors, that in one way or the other, benefited from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unlawful incarceration.

“We, as a group, are now urging all religious leaders to begin raising questions about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is yet to be released.

“The utmost hypocrisy of Igbo politicians is to use the media to fool our people with frivolous promises that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be released.

“They have all failed Ndi Igbo and should not be re-elected should they continue to fool us and politicize Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention is outright humiliation of Ndi Igbo.”

Kano: NAPTIP Foils Trafficking Of 285 Victims, Secures Conviction Of Foreign National, 14 Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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NAPTIP

By Ayodele Oni

Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced that it rescued 285 victims and apprehended 22 human traffickers in 2024.

The Zonal Commander, Abdullahi Babale, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

According to Babale, the 285 rescued victims included 78 males, 97 females, and 110 children (64 boys and 46 girls), aged between seven and 42.

“Out of the 285 victims, 53 were victims of trafficking in persons, while 232 were survivors of sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and other related issues.

“The victims were counseled and rehabilitated before being reunited with their families. Additionally, we empowered 52 of them with empowerment kits.”

Babale also revealed that the 22 arrested suspects consisted of eight males and 14 females noting that the command received 211 cases during the period under review, involving both external and internal human trafficking.

The commander explained that their cases included child abuse, child labor, sexual abuse, and other violations under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

Babale further stated that the command secured 15 convictions, including one involving a foreign national. The individuals convicted of various offences comprised 13 males and two females.

He added that the command carried out 88 sensitization and enlightenment programs through radio and television, schools, communities, faith-based organizations, markets, workshops, training sessions, and advocacy visits. These initiatives highlighted the dangers of human trafficking and other forms of abuse.

“We successfully profiled 720 migrant returnees from the Niger Republic who had traveled out of the country in search of greener pastures during the period under review.”

Babale called for collaboration among all stakeholders to combat human trafficking and cautioned Nigerians against embarking on overseas journeys under the guise of searching for greener pastures.

He urged parents to protect their children from being exploited and lured into slavery and advised the public to report suspicious cases of human trafficking in their respective communities.

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