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Ndidi Is Now Acting CGS Of Nigerian Correctional Service

December 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), now has a new leadership as President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following the retirement of Haliru Nababa from the service.

Haliru Nababa served as Comptroller General for three years and seven months.

He was appointed as Comptroller General of Prisons by former President Muhammadu Buhari and his tenure would end on Sunday, December 15.

Haliru was pulled out of the Service in a colourful ceremony on Friday.

According to a statement signed by Ahmed Ja’afaru, the Secretary of the Board of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services, the appointment of Mr Nwakuche Ndidi takes effect from December 15, 2024.

Nwakuche, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta in Imo State. Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Controller-General in charge of Training and Staff Development Directorate.

He is a fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic, MFR.

Meanwhile the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has lauded the retiring Controller General, Nababa for his “visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the transformative ideals of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS).”

Tunji Ojo, who described Nababa’s tenure as exceptional at the pulling out parade said his stewardship witnessed significant “strides in advancing its core mandate of reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into the society in line with our government’s vision to ensure public safety while upholding the principles of justice.”

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, commended Nababa on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and wished him a fulfilling and joyful retirement.

Nababa, who in his valedictory address listed some of his achievements, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for the opportunity given him to serve the nation.

“The journey which began in the year 1990 when I enlisted into the then Nigerian Prisons Service, climaxed in the year 2021, on the 10th of May to be precise when I was appointed the Controller-General of the NCoS.

“Now, with profound gratitude to God Almighty, the journey has finally come to a happy end.

“It has been quite a memorable experience for me and from inception, I knew that the responsibilities thrust on my shoulders were huge.

“Therefore, I adopted an all-inclusive management approach, constructively engaging relevant stakeholders either to build on the legacies of past leaders or design new strategies to address emerging challenges.

“I must say that the support and cooperation I received from my management team and field officers remained unwavering and qualitative. Thus, the Service was not only able to weather storms but significantly made progress in many fronts such as security, logistics, healthcare services, capacity building for staff, inmates’ welfare and training, staff promotion and a host of others.”

Uzodimma Moving To Greater Heights At 66

The Source

December 13, 2024

By Oguwike Nwachuku

This time last year when Imo State Governor, Dr. Hope Uzodimma, CON, marked 65, I was intentional in the choice of the title of my piece, “Imo’s 65th birthday gift to Uzodimma.”The circumstances in the build-up to his reelection for a second term in office in 2023,with all the political shenanigans that characterised the period, made the title inevitable.

Desperate political opponents and their likes who don’t like the governor’s face, had worked tirelessly last year to ease Uzodimma out of office willy-nilly, deploying all manner of negative political permutations, innuendo, and blackmail to ensure he lost his re-election. Unfortunately, their efforts turned out to be a storm in a teacup, a big waste.

To their utter disappointment Uzodimma did not just win overwhelmingly and convincingly, but put all seen and unseen detractors to shame when the results were announced.

In the main, Uzodimma’s reelection turned out to be historical, with all the 27 local government areas in Imo returning an unprecedented electoral verdict; a feat that will take any governorship candidate in the State a lot of hard work to achieve in future. That was just a year ago.

It is no longer news that Uzodimma, now in his second term as Governor Imo State, will mark his birthday today, December 12 as he is wont to doing.In fact, what would be news is that he did not mark his Special Day.For the sake of those who may not know, His Excellency has turned 66. He is already six years older in the elder statesmen’s club where 60 is the official entry point. If you have issue with your Arithmetic, regarding the year of his birth into the royal family of late Igwe Michael and late Ezinne Rose Uzodimma at Ozuh Omuma, in today’s Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, it is in 1958.

So, exactly on that day/year, young, handsome, intelligent, wise, bold, kind, generous, spirit-filled, God-fearing Hope Odidika Uzodimma, became a gift to humanity. Yes, you heard me correctly. That is the man we gladly serenade every December 12.

Needless to say that the goodwill messages have been pouring in from across the globe, signifying the genre of man in focus.

Fast forward to the years before 2020 when he was elected Governor of Imo State, Uzodimma an accomplished businessman, bestrode the private sector like a colossus while at the same time keeping a keen eye on politics due to his passion for philanthropy and generally, service to his people.

Perhaps his election into the Upper Legislature (Senate) to represent the people of Orlu zone (Imo West), from 2011-2019, turned out to be the turning point in the exposition of his mastery of politics as he eloquently displayed his leadership acumen cum managerial dexterity in the Senate, features that appeared to be on incubation during the years he was in private practice as a business wizard.

Before I digress, Sen. Uzodimma is not just the Governor of Imo State today, a position he was fully prepared for, but he is also Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum (SEGF), among other leadership portfolios at National and Sub national levels.Lest I forget, last weekend, December 7, 2024 to be precise, another feather was added to Uzodimma’s cap, with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), conferring on him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Management (DMT), Honoris Causa.

The award, according to the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Otti, was in recognition of Uzodimma’s “decades of meritorious, selfless, and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity.” The award is nothing but another befitting 2024 birthday gift to Uzodimma by the society.

Watching the governor between December 12 last year and now, yours sincerely keeps seeing an Uzodimma who evolves significantly in the manner he applies himself to the demands of his office, and his commitment to the service to humanity and God.

At 66, he has moved to greater heights in doing the things he loves to do best. He remains the same strong, energetic, upwardly-mobile Senator, nay Dr. Hope Odidika Uzodimma, known for motivating his aides and those around him with the, “let’s go, let’s go,” gentle yell anytime there is serious work to be done. Yes, serious work that demands application of intellect, zest and total commitment.

Whenever that, “let’s go, let’s go,” alarm bell sounds from his lips, I am reminded again about certain views of Plato and Aristotle on Leadership. While the former insists, “your job is not to tell people to follow you, but to persuade them to follow you,” the latter believes that, “he who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader.” To a reasonable degree, I am tempted to conclude that certain of Uzodimma’s actions and deeds portray him as a student of the classic ancient Greek philosophers.

Regardless of the demands of his office that keeps him awake virtually every night, the governor never ceases to glow physically and spiritually whenever he shows up in the day. Signs of tiredness, weakness, boredom or laxity are difficult to spot anytime you are with him. He keeps worry far from himself, radiating daily strength that convinces you that he is as fit as a fiddle, and agreeing with former United States President George Washington that, “worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.”

What I see, therefore, is an Uzodimma who is moving to a greater height and looks good on 66 or if you like, who 66 looks good on.

One would have thought that the additional responsibility the governor is shouldering at the State and National level would have wearied and slowed him down either physiologically, psychologically, mentally and otherwise. But how wrong can anyone be?

Instead, at 66, certain factors keep standing him out. One is leadership. To a large extent, Uzodimma has shown Imo people, through his leadership attributes, how they can do the right things even without his spending time proving to them that he is right. His exemplary leadership equally finds expression in the manner he handles the common patrimony of the State. I am talking about accountability and transparency.

Despite the cravings of certain persons who have remained unrepentant in their quest to undermine his government, through baseless propaganda and smear campaign since January 15, 2020 when he mounted the saddle till date, Uzodimma remains unfazed by such unbecoming demeanour, bearing in mind a Yoruba proverb that says, “the tortoise cannot make any progress until it sticks its neck out.” Uzodimma has long stuck his neck out for Imo’s good.

Two is service. Uzodimma is serving Imo State sincerely and truthfully, away from the deceitful machinations of those who came before him. We are not surprised because only insincere people will treat with levity their covenant with God regarding service to Him and humanity.

Three is commitment. He has shown unalloyed commitment by the manner he goes about his people-oriented innovative programmes, policies and strategies for the development of Imo, and with that helping to position the State for competitiveness in business and economy in the years ahead.

Four is compassion. Uzodimma is compassionate to a fault. His forgiving spirit regardless of the gravity of offence one may commit against him is exemplary. Nothing excites him like lending a helping hand and putting himself in the shoes of those who are challenged. Whenever he says, “If you are happy, I am happy and if you are sad, I am sad,” he speaks from the heart. His feeling for others is a true reflection of the Igbo adage that says whenever the nose is crying the eye joins it to cry as well.

Five is boldness and courage. Uzodimma is one man whose outward, good-looking posture belies his God-given boldness and courage that can only be found in the lion. But unlike those who deploy theirs on the weak, Uzodimma uses his inwardly endowed strength, boldness and courage to protect and liberate the weak from the stranglehold of the powerful. Regardless, he believes that “courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace,” as former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela would say.

Yes, Hope Uzodimma is moving to greater heights at 66 with his Shared Prosperity 3R mantra government that aligns with the properly articulated Imo State 10-year Development Plan (2024-2034) Vision Document, with the capacity to transform the State into an industrial, self-sufficient entity in the next 10 years.

With emphasis on improved health, education, agriculture/food security, road infrastructure, housing/new cities development, water supply transportation/infrastructure, electricity/power generation, trade/quality assurance, sanitation/waste management, digital economy infrastructure, market access, industrial policy, enabling laws and policies, public finance management, sports development, hospitality/tourism/internationalization, air transportation, security/safety, among others in Imo, the State, therefore remains in good hands.

What is happening in the above sectors, particularly in the health, education, transportation, digital economy, hospitality/tourism sectors are simply testament to what the future of Imo looks like. They speak to the vision of a leader in the mould of Uzodimma who is bold, courageous, compassionate, sincere and service-oriented.

Gradually and steadily, Uzodimma is turning Imo into the industrial hub of the South East, and by extension, Nigeria with his road revolution, the dredging of Orashi River to the Atlantic ocean, the ongoing innovation in the power sector, and a lot more.

Across the three senatorial zones of Imo State, completed road projects are in excess of 190 kilometers while the on-going ones stand at 375.80km.

Special mention must be made of critical roads such as the Owerri-Okigwe road, Owerri-Orlu road, Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, Airport-Aba Road intersection, Orlu-Akokwa-Mgbe-Uga road, Avu-Obosima-Etekwuru road, Road Safety-Toronto-Orji road, Nkume-Umuowa-Orlu road, Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout Flyover, Ihiagwa-Obinze Bridge, among others that are either completed or nearing completion.

Key infrastructure such as the Imo State House of Assembly Complex; the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre; Regional Government House Complex, Orlu; Owerri Modern Abattoir, Naze; Reconstruction of Imo Concorde Hotel; Construction of Waste Recycling Plant, Owerri; Cardiovascular Centre and Installation of Oxygen Plant Machines at IMSUTH, Orlu; Construction of 500 capacity Auditorium a University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, and others too numerous to mention, suggest the difference Uzodimma is making to the lives of Imo people that will determine the overall significance of the lives they lead in future.

Under his visionary leadership, Imo has successfully funded five higher institutions – Imo State University, Owerri, K O Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Orlu, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State Polytechnic Omuma and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma. This is outside of the funding of different Schools of Nursing and Midwifery operating in the State.

Besides, Imo under Uzodimma’s watch is comfortably playing host to three higher institutions – Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Education, Owerri and Federal Polytechnic Owerri.

Uzodimma has scored commendable goals in the health sector. His vision propelled the establishment of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) which the beneficiaries have not stopped giving testimonies.

Operating under four major planks – Formal Sector Social Health Programme (FSSHIP) designed to cater to the needs of civil servants in Imo; the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the poor and vulnerable in the State; the Imo Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (Imo-TISHIP) for all students of the State-owned tertiary institutions and the Imo Health Care Insurance Programme (IMOCARE) for those in the informal sector, the IMHIA has become the talk of the town with more than 186,000 enrollees and beneficiaries.

The recent commissioning of three General Hospitals at Oguta, Omuma and Ohaji with modern facilities, to add to the ones at Aboh Mbaise and Okigwe, are also meant to complement operations in the 305 Health Centres Uzodimma cited in the Electoral Wards in Imo.

As a way of giving back to the people while marking his 66th birthday, thousands of Imo residents are currently benefitting from an ongoing two weeks medical mission at the IMSUTH, Orlu; General Hospital, Omuma, and Specialist Hospital, Umugumma, Owerri, where 30 doctors from the United States of America with their Nigerian counterparts, are deployed to handle complex and semi complex medical conditions tormenting the people.

Truth is that in all facets of governance in Imo State under Uzodimma, the hope of the people for a better tomorrow has been rekindled, their zeal for more hard work energized and their spirit for a better Imo activated, compared to the gloom that pervaded the environment before he came on board.

Be it in the area of digital infrastructure/e-government, youth and sports development/talent hunt, agriculture/natural resources, commerce, security, women affairs, power generation, civil service, labour, employment and productivity, payment of salary, pensions and gratuity, rule of law and separation of power, environment/waste management, housing and urban development, land survey and physical planning, petroleum resources, there is light on the horizon.

At 66, Hope Uzodimma has proven Mandela right that, “it always seems impossible until it is done.” Our confident is that it can only get better.

Here’s to another year of good health and great memories, Onwa.

Nwachuku is Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to Governor Uzodimma

First Lady Charges Girls To Take Advantage Of Special Schools, Commissions Osogbo Centre

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2024

Remi Tinubu Commissions Special Schools in Osogbo

By Ayodele Oni

Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu has expressed the hope that no girl, no matter her status, should be left out of school in the country, with the establishment of alternate learning Centres for them.

According to the First Lady, such schools, 44 in number, are located mainly in the North and in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers States.

The Nigerian First Lady spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the commissioning and handover of the Alternative High School for Girls.

She identified education as a powerful tool for driving change and fostering the development of any nation adding that Nigerian woman and girl, irrespective of background or status, should have access to education and the opportunities it provides.

Describing education as a transformative force, Mrs Tinubu reiterated the need to ensure that “no girl is left behind.

“I appreciate and commend the commitment of our host, the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his amiable wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, for their role and efforts in approving the land upon which this school stands.

The First Lady also extended her gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), led by Dr Hamid Bobboyi, for ensuring the timely completion of the school and bringing the vision to life.

Tinubu revealed that the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo is one of six new schools to be established across the country by UBEC. Other schools are located in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers states.

“Already, we have about 44 other Alternative High Schools, mainly across the northern parts of Nigeria

“The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to champion programmes that empower girls, women, and youth across the country, towards a better life for families.”

Mrs Tinubu maintained that education empowers individuals to reach full potential, noting that it is a fundamental human right.

“This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

She outlined the facilities at the Osogbo school, which include a crèche for young mothers, a skills acquisition centre for vocational training, and modern classrooms to create a conducive learning environment.

“Through these facilities, we are not only giving these girls and women a second chance at formal education, but also equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence, and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

“Investing in women and girls’ education is investing in the future of our nation.”

She encouraged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with determination and focus, saying, “Your past does not define you. This is another chance, another opportunity, and you must believe in yourself and know there is light at the end of every tunnel.”

In his remarks, the host governor, Ademola Adeleke, commended the First Lady for her passion for the education of women and girls. He assured that his administration would continue to support educational development for all genders.

Mrs Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun State, also praised Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a woman whose commitment to the education of women and girls is unmatched.

Ebonyi Offers N150,000 Christmas Bonus To Its Workforce

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Government has announced a bumper Christmas package of N150,000 for every worker of the state .

This is even as the State Authorities and Organized Labour are still locked in disagreements arising from the implementation of the 70,000 new minimum wage.

The Source reports that the State workforce had, penultimate week, declared a week long warning strike to press home their demands for a clearer and generally acceptable computation of the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage .

The industrial action was sequel to the listing of Ebonyi, among 13 others by the national leadership of the Organized Labour as states still in default of the implementation of the new minimum wage.

An embittered Governor Francis Nwifuru had however threatened to relieve the striking workers of their appointments should they not return to their duty posts within 72 hours.

His threat instantly drew the ire of the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who described the Governor’s choice of threat, ahead of negotiation with the aggrieved civil servants, as a monumental act of irresponsibility and unreasonableness.

The workers nevertheless fully observed the seven days warning strike.

But announcing the Christmas bonus on Friday ,December 13, 2024, Governor Nwifuru, informed that the package is in appreciation of the workers commitment to duty, as well as their display of understanding during the just concluded warning strike.

A statement issued on Friday, by the Governor’s media aide Monday Uzor, said that a directive has been given for the workers to be paid the Christmas package on, or before the close of work on Tuesday December 17, 2024 .

“Our workers have shown a lot of commitments and respect to us as a Government.

During the strike action, they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things and we were most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare”, the statement

Police Nab Notorious Interstate Kidnapper, Mohammed Dandolo

Akinwale Kasali

December 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Kwara State Police Command has announced the arrest of notorious interstate kidnapper, Mohammed Bello Dandolo.

The suspect was arrested in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Spokesperson of the Command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, who disclosed this in a statement said that the arrest followed actionable intelligence received by the police from Egbe, Kogi State.

According to the statement, Bello was alleged to be the brain behind many kidnappings in Kwara and Kogi states as well as along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“The Kwara State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police CP Victor Olaiya has successfully arrested a notorious suspected kidnapper, Mohammed Bello, also known as “DANDOLO’. This arrest was made possible following an actionable intelligence received from Egbe, Kogi State, indicating that the suspect had fled to Patigi, Kwara State, to evade arrest,” the statement read.

“Mohammed Bello is suspected to be involved in a series of kidnapping operations in Egbe, Isanlu, and surrounding areas in Kogi State.

“Upon receiving the information, the Command immediately deployed a surveillance team to track the suspect’s movements. A thorough search of various locations, including hotels in Patigi, was conducted. Eventually, the suspect was apprehended at an undisclosed location.

“This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State, led by Lieutenant Isah.

“The suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Ilorin for further investigation,” the statement added.

The CP said a discreet and thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure that justice is served.

“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara State and its environ.”

The Command also extended its appreciation to members of the public and our security partners for their cooperation and swift action on this matter

“Mohammed Bello has confessed to several kidnapping incidents along the Omu-Aran-Ilofa-Osi-Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara state, and also kidnap incidents along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“We encourage citizens to continue providing timely information to assist in combating crime in the state.”

EU, Katsina Govt Roll Out Empowerment For Women

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2024

Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Ayodele Oni

The Katsina State Government has announced plans to embark on empowerment programmes for women during next year’s Ramadan.

In this regard, 50 women will be empowered from each of the 34 Local government areas of the state with the catering business of Koko and Kosai, a food being taking by at least 70 percent of Hausa-speaking people as breakfast.

The essence, according to the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’adua, is to add capital to their businesses, stating that even those with no businesses will equally benefit.

The Commissioner was speaking during a livelihood empowerment programme carried out by the European Union (EU) Funded Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) for 100 women and youth beneficiaries selected from four different local governments of Batsari, Danmusa, Jibia, and Kankara held at the Multipurpose Women Centre, Katsina.

According to her, this will be in addition to the incoming Nigerian For Women Project, a World Bank project targeted at empowering women across various communities in clusters on different trades.

Yar’adua explained that the aim is to upscale their businesses and empower them with management skills, and financial literacy, which will eventually be supported with more capital into their businesses for sustainability.

She urged beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity by empowering themselves and others in the community.

“Beneficiaries were sent to the Katsina Youth Craft Village and have undergone vigorous training on different skills acquisition programmes which include: welding and carpentry, cosmetology, tailoring, and catering, among others.

“Today, we empower the beneficiaries with start-up kits to start their businesses in the comfort of their homes.”

The permanent Secretary of the Katsina Ministry of Women Affairs, Nura Murtala, while delivering welcome remarks, commended the state governor, Dikko Radda, for his unwavering commitment and support and empowering women in the State.

Police Harassment: Activist Olamide Thomas aka Horlarmidey Africano Arrested

James Orji

December 13, 2024

Comrade Abiodun Olamide Thomas - Activist Arrested

Comrade Abiodun Olamide Thomas, also known as “Horlarmidey Africano” has been arrested by the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, for allegedly criticising the force.

The activist was arrested in Lagos on Friday, Sahara Reporters reports, allegedly on the order of the NPF Pubblic Relations Officer, PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP.

According to the online newspaper, there has been apprehension over the activist’s safety after she alleged last month that Adejobi, was after her.

According to sources, the police first arrested her brother on Thursday and used him to track her this morning where she was abducted in her house around Somolu area of Lagos and taking to Alade police station.

One of the sources told SaharaReporters today that the daughter used her phone to send a distress message to the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) loop.

After her arrest, the police released the brother whom they hold as a belt, and then drove Olamide to the State Command, Ikeja, where she is currently being held.

“They first abducted one of his brother yesterday, he was taken to Alade police station before being driven to the state command. I called the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin and he confirmed she’s with them,” said one of the sources.

Abiodun, had in November told SaharaReporters that she hasn’t committed any crime, other than participating in the #EndSars memorial struggle held on October 20, 2024, during which she was brutalised, her money stolen at the police custody and phone destroyed.

According to her, she had always condemned police brutality, adding “I have always picked hole or punched any posts or comments by Muyiwa especially when he releases press statements about protests or protesters, laced with lies and propaganda. So, he might have been looking for an opportunity to pick me up.

“He has deployed men of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a special tactical squad of the Nigeria Police Force to hunt for me anywhere,” the activist said.

She revealed that Adejobi had told so many people that she has case to answer, claiming that she had been bullying many Nigerians including himself on social media and therefore she should turn herself to police or she will be picked up.

Meanwhile she said no police official invitation has been extended to her for committing any crime, wondering whether the Force Police Public Relations Officer wants to use his Police position and brute force to abduct her, to show that he can.

While speaking to SaharaReporters, Abiodun revealed that so many police officers had been calling and asking her to meet them in some locations, probably to abduct her for Adejobi. Some of the policemen had even gone to her social media platforms to bully her.

According to her, one Isijola Victor, a police officer said “they have not beaten me up well and that’s why I am still talking. He also called me unprintable names and when I said I’ll post it on TIB global platforms, he deleted some of the comments and locked his profile.

“They were much bullying me on my page especially on a particular post.”

Narrating the event, she said: “On 27th October, Scotty Aluta Take It Back Movement (TIB), Lagos coordinator called to tell me that SP Benjamin Hundeyin (Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer), requested for my contact from him and he wants to give. So, I said no problem since I know he is my coordinator and I have confidence in the movement.

“SP Hundeyin later called me to say that his boss needed my number, I said okay, he paused for a while on phone and told me it’s not the CP (Commissioner of Police) but ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. I asked what Muyiwa needed my number for and he said probably he saw my video online and want to reach out to confirm my state of health, I said okay.

“Four days later which was on a Thursday, (penultimate Thursday), a police officer called me and asked me to come to Ogbomosho, claiming that a petition was written against me. I posted the recorded conversation with the officer subsequently and his contact on the TIB group and lots of Comrades called the officer.”

She further stated that when different people were calling her, she raised alarm even on SaharaReporters platform.

Continuing, Abiodun said that on Wednesday evening around past 11pm, one Mr Nwaobi called her from Ogun state to tell her that one Mr Shotunde Lanre was arrested since morning.

“It was said that it was Mr Lanre’s mum they (police) arrested when they did not meet him at home and he was asked to show up, and when he went there, he was arrested while his mum was released. They said he is suspected to be dating me and he must provide me. However, Lanre has been released late last night but three of my Facebook friends are also being targeted for arrest. A blogger is also being targeted for arrest.

“I do not have any relationship with Mr Lanre. I even blocked him on Facebook because of his comments on my posts during struggles. He is a politician and a member of APC (All Progressives Congress), who has always condemned most of our struggles and sometimes makes jokes out of serious issues concerning the nation,” she narrated.

Abiodun revealed that some police sources have also called and told her that “Olumuyiwa has given instructions to men of the IRT to look for me by all means and bring me down to Abuja as instructed by the IGP (Inspector General of Police).

“I have done nothing wrong, I am only being hunted for participating in the EndSARS memorial struggle.
I am not afraid but just letting Nigerians know that anything can happen from now as they are said to be tracing me through Facebook friends and activists.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians have called for her release, saying the only option the Police have is to charge her to court if she has committed any offence, adding that state security should not be used to settle personal scores.

N80bn Fraud: “I’m Not Guilty”, Ex-Gov Bello Tells Court Today

James Orji

December 13, 2024

Former Governor of Kogi state has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him that he stole over N80 billion belonging to the state. Bello, took the position on Friday when the charges were read to him at the Federal high court Abuja, where he’s currently being tried for corruption.

The former governor is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC which accused him of money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds while he was governor.

The ex-Kogi strongman was in office for eight years until he left last year.

Bello took the no-guilty plea after the 18-charge was read to him today during his arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite.

When the case was called for hearing, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.

He said the application had been overtaken by events.

However, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Nwite accordingly granted the request.

The magazine reported that Bello was a fugitive for several months until he handed himself over to the anti-graft commission on November 26.

Three days ago, a federal high court in Abuja presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih denied him bail after his counsels applied for same in the court.

Justice Anenih later adjourned his bail hearing till January 25 next year.

OPINION: Grid Collapse: A trillion Dollar Economy Impossible Without Stable, Reliable Electric Power

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 13, 2024

By Adekunle Adekoya

On Wednesday, the national power grid managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, collapsed for the 11th time in 2024, leaving the country in complete blackout. Some people said that it wasn’t the 11th but the 12th time, on the average, a collapse of once a month.

Data from the National System Operator, NSO, showed that as of 2pm that day, none of Nigeria’s 26 power plants was on the grid.

Confirming the collapse of the grid, Abuja DisCo, Eko DisCo and Ikeja Electric apologised to their customers over the failure in supply.

It is only in our country that this shame will endure, to the consternation of all victims and nothing will happen to anybody, not even a query. We seem so used to the negative, including mass killings and kidnaps perpetrated by criminal gangs that we have stopped being surprised by their occurrence.

I had written about this before, wondering how, in a bid to simplify the problem, we don’t use one switch for all the appliances in a building. Somehow, we have insisted that just one switch is enough for the whole country.

I also averred that this needs a political solution, since politicians make policy which technocrats simply implement. By March, the grid had collapsed four times, and between then and now should have been ample time to look at the situation dispassionately towards generating a solution that will endure. No. All we see are just agbadas flying from one private jet to one airport terminal or the other in pursuit of things that have little to do with the welfare of the people who elected them.

What is worrisome about the power situation is the unrelenting release of platitudes on what will be done, can be done, but which never gets started and will never get done. It is a sign of mega unseriousness in the management of public affairs.

A few weeks ago, the National Bureau of Statistics released GDP growth figures, which the Presidency celebrated. In a statement, a presidential aide reiterated the president’s commitment to growing a trillion-dollar economy. Words that have no relation to reality. How do you grow a trillion dollar economy without stable, reliable electric power? Of all the power generation options available globally today, we remain stuck somehow with only hydro and thermal options.

It is clear that there exists a lot of potential with other options, especially solar and wind. Where are the policy frameworks to actualise these? Zip.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu told Nigerians that by year end, 150 MW of electricity would have been added to the national grid.

Adelabu said this while speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Adelabu added: “We have completed about 80 per cent of the pilot stage, which includes the importation, installation, and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 power mobile substations.

“These efforts have already added 750 megawatts to our grid capacity, and by year-end, an additional 150 megawatts will be realised upon full completion of the pilot phase.”

These efforts might come to nought if there isn’t a mindset change to deal with the single national grid. I’m no engineer, but common sense dictates that the single national grid cannot efficiently serve a huge area like Nigeria. We simply need to have smaller grids, perhaps on regional basis.

If not, the 750 MW already added and the 150 being expected, according to Adelabu, will remain shut-in due to inadequacies of the existing grid.

In short, breaking up the grid will open up an audit of aged and obsolete equipment, which will be easier to deal with. What I think Minister Adelabu should do is to engage his engineers on blueprints for smaller, more manageable grids and get the necessary political support to actualise it. Our electricity conundrum is not insoluble; what has kept us in the dark all these years is the mindset that insists on one grid. Most Nigerians agree that the little we generate can serve us more if better distributed. Distribution starts with transmission. In fact, I venture further to suggest complete privatisation of the transmission system after the grid has been broken down. What is National Control Centre? It is not only unneeded, but a carry-over from our experiences with military command and control. Even then, modern militaries function better with decentralised control systems, so long as operations are in tandem with political objectives.

One other thing being overlooked is electricity supply based on need and demand. Apart from the Lagos-Ibadan axis, the other part of the country that needs all the electricity it can get is the South-East. There are clusters of home-grown industries and enterprises in that part of the country that have thrived so far on generator power and will do better with public electricity. All these and more are what should inform ministerial policy initiatives on power.

Then, our state governors also have a lot to do about this. Since removal of subsidy, far more money has flown into state coffers than before. Let governors invest in power projects, instead of competing to build unviable airports that gulp billions with little effect on their states’ economies. Power projects will yield greater dividends than airports, and most of them won’t cost as much as airports.

Now that local government autonomy is assured by the recent Supreme Court judgment, local governments too can weigh in and invest in power, perhaps solar or wind. We need to break out of the binding chain of generated power with its convoluted and expensive distribution systems and embrace embedded power. But, let the politicians put on their thinking caps and provide the policy frameworks to make this happen. In terms of national development, it’s morning, yet!

LG Financial Autonomy: Chairmen Not Allowed To Build Airports

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 13, 2024

Local government chairmen in the country have received stern warning not to mismanage funds belonging to local governments in the country.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary correspondents stressing that they risk jail if they tamper with the funds.

He said the financial autonomy will allow the chairmen to discharge their duties effectively to their people.

According to the nation’s chief law officer, the LG chairmen have no immunity to protect them from prosecution, and as such they must think deeply before dipping their hands in the till.

Fagbemi also warned the chairmen that financial autonomy does not give them the rights to embark on bogus projects such as the construction of airports which do not directly benefit their people.

The AGF, according to analysts, was referencing some state governments which have embarked on the construction of airports, believed by many not to be a priority to their people.

Fagbemi stated this on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary correspondents where he charged the council chairmen to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, adding that local governments play key roles in promoting grassroots development.

He explained that road construction and repairs, provision of primary health and education, are among the constitutional roles that LG chairmen should embark on.

He warned that “Projects like building airports, which are outside their scope, will not be tolerated,” saying they must be accountable with the resources put under their care.

The AGF stated, “If they choose to tamper with public funds and fail to deliver on their constitutional mandates, they risk going to jail. The trust placed in them must not be betrayed.

“Primary education must be accessible to every child, pregnant women and infants must receive quality healthcare, and the vulnerable in our society must benefit from sustainable welfare programmes.”

In July this year, the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment, gave financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country, removing the third tier of government from the apron strings of the state governments which they had been tied to for years.

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