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LAHA Laments Open Defecation, Urges LASG To Build More Public Toilets

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed great concern over the menace of open defecation across the State. The Members  called on relevant authorities to curb the anomaly.

The Lawmakers urged the  Lagos State Government to curb the act through massive construction of public toilets in the State.

The members who raised this during its plenary session, Wednesday, strongly condemned the rampant practice of open defecation across the State.

The Lawmakers strongly condemned the rampant practice of open defecation across the State, saying the menace must ne addressed in earnest.

They, therefore, urged the Local Government Areas, and Local Council Development Areas to collaborate with private organizations, construct adequate public toilets in their respective localities and Intensify sensitization and publicity against open defecation in the State.

Raising this under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi I, maintained that Lagos State, as a smart city, must take decisive action to curb open defecation, which remained prevalent in areas such as Oshodi, Mile 2, Agege, among others.

Ogundipe stressed the need for proper sanitation facilities to align with the State’s vision of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

The Deputy Speaker, Mojeed Fatai, reiterated the responsibility of LGAs and LCDAs in providing public toilets within their jurisdictions.

Fatai explained that such facilities would significantly reduce the occurrence of open defecation and enhance public hygiene across the State.

In his contribution, Gbolahan Yishawu, acknowledged the severity of the issue and questioned the government’s existing efforts to curb the menace.

Yishawu, urged the State government to prioritize the establishment of public toilets at strategic locations, noting that public-private partnerships could play a crucial role in achieving the objective.

Corroborating his colleagues, Aro Moshood, highlighted the adverse impact of open defecation in riverine areas, where it contaminates water bodies and poses risks to both human health and marine life.

All stakeholders were implored to eradicate the menace and improve sanitation standards across Lagos.

PSC Demands Investigation Of Zone 7 Officers Involved In Corruption, Land Matters, Writes IGP

By
The Source
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Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, in line with his avowed commitment to purge the Police from meddling into civil matters, has officially written to the Inspector General of Police demanding investigation into the roles of some officers of the Zone 7 Police Command. DIG Argungu is requesting that the Inspector General of Police sets up a competent  Committee to conduct further investigation into the activities of the Officer in charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations of the Zone for abuse of office, extortion and gross misconduct contrary to the rules of engagement and conduct of Police Officers.

He said the letter was prompted by a complaint/petition received from one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya against the two officers of the zone who, against repeated warnings, were involved in civil matters and supervised/provided cover in the demolition of the petitioner’s residential property where he had lived for over 15 years.

In the letter to the IGP,  the PSC Chairman said that on the 19th of December 2024, the Police and enforcement staff from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, went to the residence of the petitioner, Abubakar Yahaya, “threw away his property and chased his family members  out of his residence.”

DIG Argungu disclosed that the enforcement Unit of the High Court led by one Shamsudeen Ubandoma took “the sum of seven hundred thousand Naira (N700,000.00) from the petitioner under the guise or pretence of giving it to the Policemen who came with him for enforcement, so that they won’t come back for enforcement again.”

He said on the 16th of January 2025; “some Policemen with enforcement team from the court, accompanied by one faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki – purported owner of the plot on the said No 75 Lome  Crescent, Wuse Zone 7 Abuja, under dispute in court, brought trucks and bulldozers which were used in the demolition of the petitioner’s residence.”

The PSC Chairman, in the letter to the IGP, said the petitioner was arrested by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, Zone 7 Police Command for criminal conspiracy, trespass and mischief, adding that the sum of one million Naira was collected from him for securing his bail. He noted that the faceless Alhaji Usman Sarki “is not known to the petitioner, as only his lawyers were always  appearing on his behalf.

The petitioner claimed that he has been in possession of the said plot of land for more than 15 years without any issue, developed the land and has been in occupation of the residence without any hindrance.

“That it is now very apparent that the demolition of his residence was done solely on the strength of the Police, led by the Officer in charge of Legal Unit, who is meant to be a Police prosecutor but turned into a tool of oppression and aided by the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Operations who led the Police to demolish the petitioner’s residence  without any justification or adhering to the principle of natural justice.

The PSC Chairman said the petitioner’s prayers include; “having been rendered homeless  as a result of the act of the Officers-in-Charge of Legal Unit and the Deputy Commissioner incharge of Operations who are the major culprits of this heinous act, that the duo should be investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them, as well as the payment of one billion Naira for the action of the Police, as compensation.

Oyo Moves To End Gender Based Violence, Inaugurates Two Committees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

As part of moves to eradicate Gender-based Violence, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a Steering Committee and Technical Working Committee on Gender-Based Violence, (GBV) in the state.

 

The Committees were inaugurated on Wednesday during the commemoration of the International Day of Zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in Ibadan.

 

Inaugurating the committees, Governor Makinde, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, stated that the bodies are saddled with the mandate of developing and implementing programmes and policies for the prevention of gender-based violence in Oyo state.

 

The Head of Service charged them on “the rehabilitation of persons who still fall victim of gender-based violence despite all the preventive measures.”

 

She said Gender Based Violence is a critical issue that affects individuals and communities across the globe, adding that this problem transcends borders, cultures and socioeconomic status, negatively impacting the lives of countless individuals over the years.

 

Mrs. Oni called for an all-inclusive and sustained crusade to stem the tide of domestic violence, sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, public harassment, among other forms of violence against women in the society.

 

She stressed the need to recognise collective responsibilities in sustainable management of GBV requiring comprehensive approach policies, support for survivors and global initiatives.

 

The Head of Service said “this violent behaviour has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, adding that it cuts across most human societies, irrespective of gender.”

 

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun stated that it is imperative to put in place State Steering and Technical Working committees that will work in collaboration with Ministry of Women Affairs to put an end to GBV and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which is a significant aspect of GBV.

 

Mrs. Balogun pointed out that “the committees must work very hard in order to end gender-based violence in Oyo state, pursuant to the operational policy thrust of the Ministry, and the strategy of the United Nations Children’s Fund.”

 

The committees’ terms of reference are also to “conduct public awareness campaigns on reporting cases of gender-based violence; provide for the rehabilitation and promotion of the welfare of victims, and develop a gender-based violence prevention sustainable plan for the state among other terms.

Edo Election Tribunal: Another APC Witness Admits Over-Voting Non-Serialization Of Materials By INEC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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INEC Tenders BVAS Used in Edo Election

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

All is still not well with the All Progressive Congress APC, as its  witnesses continue to wobble and fumble in the defence of its victory at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.

At the resumed hearing of the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, February12, 2025, an APC witness once again admitted to incidences of over-voting during the September 21 ,2024 off-circle gubernatorial polls in the State

The Source reports that on Monday February 10, under cross examination, Usman Majek ,first APC ,witness at the ustice Wilfred Kpochi- led Election Tribunal had admitted to over-voting at his Usen polling unit in Ovia South West Local Government Area .

When shown the result sheet of his polling unit during the election by Counsel to APC, Majek to the shock of everybody in court, admitted incidence of over-voting ,despite endorsing the result sheet as an agent.

A stunned APC legal team was subsequently forced to sue for an adjournment to enable it re-examine its witness  presentation strategies.

But in a replay of Monday session’s drama,Theophilus Afuda, another APC witness on Wednesday admitted that there were over-voting and non-serialization of sensitive  electoral materials in some disputed polling units in Esan North East  local council of the state during the election .

Under cross examination by the PDP legal team, in his capacity as the APC Local Government Collation Agent, Afuda accepted that there were indeed some cases of over-voting.

The witness who had earlier, in his written statement, denied any knowledge of over-voting, had to recant after being shown the figures as contained in the CTC of the result sheets from some of the disputed polling units.

Similarly, Afuda conceded that during the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not indicate in the prescribed electoral forms prior recordings of  the serial numbers of sensitive materials used for the election in Esan North East Council, as demanded by the Electoral Act.

Expectedly, the APC legal team, uncomfortable with the situation, tried unsuccessfully to halt the cross examination,l as the Tribunal insisted on the process running its full course .

For the records, the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, had rejected the outcome of the polls on the grounds that the election figures were manipulated far above the actual number of accredited voters in favour of its rival APC.

The INEC had declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner.

But in its petition, the PDP, is seeking a reversal of the outcome based on the strength of its claim that electoral figures were arbitrarily allotted to the APC.

So far, in the course of hearing the petition, the Electoral umpire has tendered before the Tribunal a total of 152 BVAS machines used for the accreditation of voters during the election.

The admission of the BVAS machines in evidence by the Tribunal, is strongly believed by many observers as having the potential to clinically resolve all issues relating to alleged over-voting, and manipulation of figures.

While the admission of the BVAS has been welcomed by the PDP, the development has been unsettling to the APC which, from all indications, has been  boxed into an uncomfortable corner in the task of defending its victory in the election.

Reps To Customs CG: You Must Explain Why Comptrollers Of Retirement Age Refused To Leave

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi has been summoned by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, to explain why some senior officers of the Service refused to retire after they had attained retirement age.

The committee issued the summon on Wednesday after considering a petition by  Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, alleging that some officers from the ranks of Comptrollers downwards blatantly refused to quit the Service even after they have attained the mandatory years of retirement as provided by the law.

According to the Reps, in a statement issued after their sitting today, the CGC must appear before the committee next Tuesday to furnish the lawmakers on why the said officers are still in the Service after attaning the retirement age.

The officers, allegedly include, Fatia, Awe and Faith, of the Comptroller of Customs rank,  Imam, Umar, and Egwu, of the Assistant Comptroller of Customs rank, among others. Their full names were not provide in the statement issued by the Chooks Oko, Chairman House Committee on Public Petitions.

The committee said the CGC was directed to appear before it to shed light on the matter because Nigerians deserve to know the truth, adding that it’s the duty of the National Assembly to ensure that government agencies work effectively to deliver best service to the country. Keep Watching

The Reps said, “Nigerians deserve to know the truth of the matter, and only the CG can clarify the situation. We are elected to serve the people and ensure that all government agencies function effectively as part of that service.

“In this era, when most of our youths are seeking employment, it is unfair for those due for retirement to refuse to leave.

“That is not to say we shall take sides—far from it. We treat each case on merit, ensuring that justice is served at all times to those who deserve it.”

Multiple sources informed the magazine that the Service is reeled with many officers, who having attained the retirement age have refused to go. Some of them have, over the years, falsified their credentials to ensure that they remained in service.

The concerned officers must be removed from the Service as soon as possible because their actions violate the Public service rule, apart from creating manpower problems in the NCS which requires high level of professionalism, analysts insist.

The decision to stay put, by the said officers, will also hinder promotion of other qualified officers into that rank according to those with the knowledge of the Adeniyi-led NCS.

Police Arraign Four Over Blockage Of Highways, Threat To Public Peace

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Baba Mohammed Azare - Akwa Ibom CP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, said it has charged four suspects to Court for alleged deliberate obstruction of public highways.

The Source reports that the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammad Azare, had in January 2025, warned against the blocking of highways for the purpose of protest or for any other reasons capable of breaching peace and security.

At an interactive session with youth groups, community leaders and civil society organizations, CP Azare ,cautioned against resort to self-help measures such as blocking roads during protest matches noting that such acts have, over time, proven to be against the interest of  peace and security in the State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Timfon John  its spokesperson, the Akwa Ibom state police authorities informed that the four suspects were found to have used their long vehicles ( trucks ) in blocking the highway in protest against another truck driver who accidentally hit a tricycle operator.

“The incident took place at about 2100hrs when a truck driver attached to Sterling Global Construction Company, recklessly hit a tricycle rider conveying passengers, causing damage to the tricycle and injury to the passengers.

In an attempt to prevent the truck driver from fleeing, other truck drivers -four in number – mobilized and deliberately blocked the public highway, disrupting vehicular movement .

Police officers made frantic efforts to de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy, but were resisted by the truck drivers.

The four trucks were consequently impounded and taken to thr station while the four suspects were arrested, investigated and charged to Court accordingly”, part of the police statement reads .

The Command, while reaffirming its commitment towards ensuring law and order, also, called on the public to always conduct  themselves responsibly ,as well as cooperate with the Police in fostering a safe and orderly society .

Raphaela Ogbodo’s Death: LASG Exonerate Self, Says It Is Not Sweeping The Case Under The Carpet; Says Justice Will Be Served

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Raphaela Ogbodo Death

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education have explained that contrary to speculations, the case of Raphaela Ogbodo, two-year old Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo, Lagos, pupil who slipped, and drowned  in the pool of the School is alive. They insist that it has not been swept under the carpet.

The unfortunate incident which happened on January 15th, 2025, saw the LASG swing into action by clamping down on the School, putting it under lock and key.

The Proprietor of the School alongside the Pool Instructor, the Care Giver and Five other Staff members were arrested and are currently under investigated by the Police.

The Silence of the LASG on the issue weeks after the incident led to suspicion from different quarters that the case may soon be a forgotten issue.

John Ogbodo, father of the deceased had, last week, in an interview, demanded justice for his late daughter. He said that the Police and the LASG have been silent about the issue.

However, in an interview  Kayode Sutton, Public Affairs and Spokesperson for the LASG and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, debunked the insinuation that the LASG is been indifferent, and planning to sweep the case under the carpet.

Sutton stated that the LASG is not resting on its oars on the issue and is ready to wield the big stick, but Forensic investigation is still ongoing as the LASG is working tirelessly with the Police to unrave what really happened. Anyone found culpable, he said will be brought to book.

“The School has been under lock and key since January 17th, 2025, and the LASG is looking ideep into root cause of the issue and not looking at it from the surface. We are working assiduously for there not to be  reoccurrence of such event. The Police have requested for the CCTV footage of the event.

“Though, those arrested from the School are currently on bail, but are under investigation and they report at the Station to assist in the ongoing investigation.

“As a State and Ministry, we have commiserated with the family of the deceased and sent emissaries there. We assure the family that justice will be served as anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law”, Sutton stated.

Ondo Says N11.5 Billion Security Vote In Finance Ministry Is For Security, Contingency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has shed light on the allegation of N11.5 Billion Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance as alleged by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Allen Sowore, SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication, said in Akure on Wednesday that it has been practice by successive administration in the state to keep such money at the ministry of finance to honour some obligations.

Government statement explained that “It has been a long-standing budgetary tradition in Ondo State to domicile contingency funds, security votes, committee and commission expenses, and honorariums under the Ministry of Finance.

“A review of budgets from 2007 to 2013—when the PDP was in power—shows that the same method was used.

“For instance, in 2007, 2012, and 2013, the subheads “Contingency,” “Security Vote,” “Committee and Commission,” and “Honorarium” appeared on pages 368, 399, and 405, respectively, of the approved budgets for those years.

“These allocations are categorized as “state-wide votes,” not exclusive allocations to the Ministry of Finance, as the PDP misleadingly suggests.”

On allegation of N250 Million for Honorarium and Sitting Allowances, the statement added that “this falls under the state-wide vote system, as explained earlier.

“A budget is generally defined as a “statement of intention.” The government makes provisions for all allowances—sitting, travel, and other expenses—for members of committees, panels of inquiry, or commissions that may be established within the fiscal year.

It stated that allegation of N230 Million for the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance was just a proposal which will still pass through procurement processes before approval.

“This claim has two aspects: the price and the justification for acquiring a utility vehicle for the ministry/commissioner.

First, the budget is merely an estimate. The government is bound by the state’s procurement laws and will not purchase a vehicle above its market value. Since no vehicle has been purchased yet, dwelling on estimated figures is unnecessary.

“Second, regarding justification, the key question is: Have commissioners in Ondo State previously used SUVs as official vehicles? The answer is an unequivocal yes.

“During past administrations, commissioners were provided with utility vehicles based on their ministry’s operational needs. For instance, under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s tenure, the then-Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, Engr. Clement Faboyede (Fabo), along with three other commissioners, received brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs as official vehicles.

“The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is directly responsible for coordinating budget preparation, while the legislature scrutinizes and passes it. How, then, can a single individual be declared guilty as charged? This is nothing but pure mischief.

“Even assuming, without conceding, that there was an issue with the budgeting process, how can one individual be singled out for an alleged infraction when budgeting involves multiple stakeholders—the bureaucracy, the legislature, and other critical institutions? This is a question of fairness and objectivity.

“It is, therefore, hypocritical and deceptive for PDP members—who established these budgetary practices—to now turn around and criticize them. Their claims amount to nothing more than mischief, falsehoods, and propaganda.”

The state chapter of the PDP had in a statement, called for the sack of the finance commissioner, Omowunmi Isaac over allegation of budget padding.

Lassa Fever: 12 Killed In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lassa Fever

By Ayodele Oni

Fatality rate of Lassa fever is now on the increase in Ondo State. At least, 12 persons have been confirmed dead no thanks to by the deadly disease. There are 353 reported cases in the State.

The Acting Statistician General, of the state, Olusola Ajayi disclosed this in Akure while addressing workers of the state waste management authority.

Ajayi also disclosed that 112 cases of Lassa Fever have been confirmed while 12 patients have died in what could be described as alarming development in the state.

He however called on the Waste Management Authority, workers to brace up and collaborate with other stakeholders in the health sector towards ensuring a healthy environment as part of ways to reduce the menace.

He said, “We are together in that business. We have to act fast now because of this data that I’m going to give you.

“In Ondo State today, there are 353 cases of Lassa fever. 112 have been confirmed. 12 bodies have died. So if we want to act, the time is now.“

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 143 cases of Lassa fever out of the 484 suspected cases from December 30, 2024, to January 12, 2025, in seven states across 32 local government areas.

The centre also reported 22 deaths with a case fatality rate of 15.4 per cent.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, ministry of health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola last week said, Ondo State recorded close to 400 suspected cases of lassa fever since its recent outbreak and over 100 cases.

“We have 400 suspected cases and confirmed 100. I would have loved to give you a specific number of deaths. We have recorded some deaths.“

Fear Grips Owerri Community As Herds Men Tells Them “We’re Coming, Wait For Us

By
The Source
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Fulani Herdsmen Letter to Imo People

By Charles Igbo

Indigenes and residents of Umuoba, a Community in Irete, Owerri West, Imo State, are living scared. They are sleeping with one eye open. They are panicky and jumpy.

Given what a number of communities in the South-east have been through, nobody should blame them. They have every reason to run scared.

This situation is no thanks to a scary message they received from alleged Fulani Herdsmen. The message contained in a poster, allegedly sent to them by the Herdsmen bears an ominous message which reads in part: “Wait for us, we are coming.”

The notice was received by the Community on Monday, 10th October 2025.

Speculations are rife over the real source of the notice. Did it really come Fulani herdsmen or some locals playing pranks or just some criminal elements trying to cause panic.

Wherever it came from, both the Community and the Police are taking it seriously.  Members of the Community are at alert.

However, in its reaction, the Imo Police Command thinks the letter was deliberately sent by some criminals to cause chaos.

In a statement, on Tuesday, Henry Okoye, Spokesman Imo State Police Command, noted that the message was delivered anonymously by some criminals who are yet to be identified. Their aim, he said, is to cause chaos in the town.

Said the statement by Okoye: “It has come to the attention of the Command that the following message was posted in Umuoba Community, Irete, Owerri West LGA of Imo State:

‘Fulani herdsmen: we are coming, wait for us at any time at any moment now wait for us.’

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that this message is a calculated attempt by certain elements to incite unnecessary fear and apprehension among the public and to destabilize the peace and security

currently enjoyed in Imo State.

“In response, the Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for disseminating this threat, and to ascertain their motives.

“Local vigilantes, have visited the community to assess the situation and engage with residents, further reinforcing our proactive measures to ensure their safety.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue with their lawful businesses and daily activities without fear.”

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