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“Our Support For Fubara is Irrevocable, As We Will Not Allow Him Distracted, Denied Privileges Of His Office” – PDP Governors

September 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday September 3, 2024, berated the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike ,for his unguarded utterances.

The Source reports that the former Rivers State Governor, had, last weekend at a gathering of some of his supporters at the PDP Secretariat in Port-Harcourt boasted that he would ignite crisis in any state across the country ,where their Governors are perceived to be siding with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara ,in his determination to decimate his PDP structure in the State .

Wike has been embroiled in a supremacy battle with his godson ,Governor Fubara, since December last 2022.

But in a statement issued by the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, the Governors said Wike’s statement represents a clear threat to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

They described Wike’s outburst as a display of unbridled irresponsibility, and totally unacceptable to the civilized world. The Forum noted that it also undermines efforts at building and maintaining peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.

The Governors noted that the statement credited to Wike is all the more unfortunate, considering that it came from someone who was not too long ago a member of the Forum.

“The Forum has always maintained ‘A touch One ,Touch All’ philosophy and individually, and collectively stand by and support each other, no matter the circumstances –

a tradition Wike tremendously enjoyed in his days of travails as Governor.

“Thus, we, therefore, maintain that our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers state ,as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual, no matter how highly placed .

“We wish to emphasize that neither is the position of the Forum personal nor does it by any stretch of imagination undermine the relevance of any stakeholders in the party.

“Rather, as loyal party and faithful members of the Forum, remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centre of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate.

“Wike benefited wholly from that arrangement.”the Forum noted.

The PDP Governors further expressed their commitment towards working with the National Working Committee NWC of the party to ensure that Governor Fubara is not any way distracted, denied of the privileges as conferred on him by his office.

The Governors noted that their commitment to the unity and cohesion of the party, far out- weights any other interests.

“The recent actions of the Governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values .

“It is crucial for all party members including Wike ,to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal Vendetta.

“The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good office platforms to find an amicable solution to the crisis in its Rivers State Chapter.

“Similarly, if indeed the larger interests of Rivers State is their individual motivation ,the warring parties should allow themselves be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers” the PDP Governors stated .

According to them, under the present circumstances, it is germane to encourage dialogue and reconciliation .

They maintained that the PDP, as a party has more than enough, internal disputes resolution mechanisms which could be explored to enthrone peace and understanding.

Consequently, the Governors underscored the urgent need for Wike to avail himself ,all the party’s dispute resolution pathways.

The Forum, in the main ,called on all relevant security agencies in the country to take appropriate note of the unguarded and provoking utterances by Wike.

Again, PSC Says Special Promotion Is Abolished, Promotion To Be Earned

The Source

September 3, 2024

The Police Service Commission, PSC, says it has abolished Special Promotion and that all promotions will now be earned, merited.

The Chairman Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, said this on Tuesday, September 3rd 2024, when he received in audience a delegation of the Executive of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria who paid him a courtesy call.

Speaking, the Chairman announced that special promotions is henceforth abolished in the Nigeria Police Force.

He received the delegation in company of DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will no longer be a rubber stamp for this irregular means of promotion in the Nigeria Police Force.

He declared that merit based on passing of prescribed examination and other basic requirements will now count on the promotion of Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that there is nothing like special promotion anywhere around the world stressing that the Commission under his watch will not encourage it.

The PSC Chairman said the law however allows for accelerated promotion for Officers who have shown uncommon dexterity in the discharge of their duties but noted that this will be done with care so as not to abuse it.

According to him, “promotion will now be on merit and there will be written examination and interview. “Seniority he noted”, is now irrelevant in modern day policing since any officer who fails promotion examination will remain on the same rank and if he fails three times, he will be retired at that level for incompetence ”

DIG Argungu insisted that the Commission will no longer promote Officers who can not pass prescribed written examinations. He called for the support of retired Police Officers adding that their experience while in service will be valuable in this new direction.

However, this is not the first time the PSC would make such a statement. Every successive Board of the Commission made same statement on Special promotions. But most times, it never quite works out, especially,when officers show exceptional gallantry.

But the PSC Chairman said he was proud of the Nigeria Police Force which he served and retired as a Deputy Inspector General and would not at any point disappoint the Force. “A Policeman is like Ceasers’ wife and should be above suspicion, it is country first. If I die and have to come back, I will still want to be a Policeman. Police is jack of all trade and master of all, I will not fail that institution and I will also not fail the PSC, I will do my best not to put the two institutions to shame” he noted.

The Chairman of the Association, AIG Paul Ochonu (rtd) had earlier told the PSC Chairman that they came to extend their hand of fellowship to the Commission “and pledge our unalloyed loyalty to its leadership”.

He said the Association had rejoiced when both the National Security Adviser and Chairman of the PSC were all Policemen stressing that they had hoped they would have forged a united working platform with the Inspector General of Police .

According to AIG Ochonu “the trio, working as a team, was capable of getting the best for the Nigeria Police Force”.

He enjoined the PSC Chairman to forge a very positive, progressive and forward looking partnership with the Nigeria Police High Command, “a relationship that will not only benefit the two Federal Agencies but will greatly enhance the gains the general public yearn for and will enjoy”.

He also requested that the PSC Chairman promotes purposeful working synergy amongst the three heads of the Police, the Commission and the Office of the National Security Adviser. “The Police Force and its personnel stand to benefit immensely when the three of you jointly make a case for it on any subject matter to the Federal Government ” he told his host.

Again, Gunmen Attack Anambra, Kill One, Raze Police Formation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a seeming replay of the audacious attack on the Ogbaru Police formation, some gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday September, 3, 2024, struck in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state.

The gunmen reportedly stormed the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters, killed a police operative and injured some others.

Some properties, including the Oba Civic Centre, were destroyed by the attackers.

This is even as the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has condemned and described the attack, as tantamount to attacking the very soul of Nigeria as a country..

He, therefore, vowed to make the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

The Source reports that on Friday, August 30, some unknown gunmen unleashed similar mayhem on the Headquarters of the Ogbaru Local Council.

Although no lives were lost in the Ogbaru attack, significant number of properties were destroyed by the rampaging attackers.

But the attack, just like the one on Oba, was carried out in the wee hours of the day, thus fueling suspicion that same group may have been behind the two attacks that also primarily targeted police formations and Government properties.

Like the Ogbaru attack, no conceivable reasons have been adduced for the attack, which some witnesses said was carried out by no fewer than 15 armed men .

However, the attack came on the heels of alleged Simon Ekpa-led Autopilots declaration of a month-long confrontation with South East Governments .

The confrontation was supposed to have commenced on August 28, 2024,

The Anambra State Police authorities have, however, assured that efforts are ongoing to fish out the perpetrators.

A statement issued by its spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Command is leading a joint security team comprising the army, Navy, Civil defence and others in an operation in Oba and its environs.

“Following an attack in the early hours of today, 3/9/2024 on Oba Divisional Headquarters and Oba Civic Centre, the suspected armed secessionist group started shooting sporadically in an attempt to gain entry into the police station,and threw petrol bomb at the security facility which made some of the offices catch up with fire including the Oba Civic Centre.

“Unfortunately, a Police Corporal was fatally wounded and paid the supreme price while the fire was put out with the help of other Police Officers on duty and the joint security responding team” part of the statement reads.

Fuel Scarcity: Obi Demands Transparency From NNPCL, Says Incompetence Is The Bane Of Fuel Crisis

The Source

September 3, 2024

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has challenged the federal government to come clean and tell Nigerians all that is going on in the NNPCL owned by the people.

Obi said that the continuous running of critical government agencies in secrecy is unacceptable.

Writing on his X handle on Tuesday the former Anambra State Governor said “Nigerians must stop at nothing to continue their demand for transparency in the operations of government especially critical agencies like the state-owned NNPCL whose activities appear to be shrouded in secrecy.

“The conflicting reports on subsidies have left Nigerians in the dark, unsure of what is happening in such prime tax payer’s company.

“It’s utterly curious that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is coming up with a bizarre claim of “financial constraints” in supplying fuel.

“This is an insult to the intelligence of the Nigerian people and a slap in the face of our suffering citizens.

“The fuel scarcity crisis, characterized by endless queues and untold hardship, is a direct result of the government’s ineptitude. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery’s struggles to secure crude oil supply and NNPCL’s search for outside operators for the refineries are further proof of this administration’s gross incompetence.

“We demand immediate transparency into NNPCL’s operations, financial dealings, and plans for the future. The Petroleum Industry Act mandates an open and transparent NNPCL, and we should not stand idly by while this government violates our laws and mocks our democracy.

“We demand that this administration come clean on these issues and take responsibility for the mess it has created. We should not rest until we uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The Nigerian people deserve better.

Registration Of Child Birth: UNICEF Seeks NOA Collaboration In Educating Nursing Mothers

Ayodele Oni

September 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In its continued efforts to safeguard life of the Nigerian child, UNICEF is partnering the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) on the sensitization and mobilization for the registration of births in the country.

With its spread across the 774 local councils in the country, NOA is in a better position to carry out the campaign for the registration of child births.

Ekiti state director of NOA, Mr Akin Adeyemi, who spoke at a sensitization campaign forum in Ado Ekiti on the registration of child births, explained that other federal government agencies such as the National Population Commission (NPC) also involved to provide technical assistance.

Mr Adeyemi pointed out that the current exercise involved children from zero to age five that will be registered in their place place of birth, while those above the age will have to contact the NPC for their registration.

According to him, traditional rulers, churches, mosques and artisan groups will also be engaged in the campaign to sensitize nursing mothers on the benefits of the exercise.

On the benefits of the exercise, the NOA director stated that this would enable the international agencies and government know the actual number of children to be taken care of in the area of health, education and other needs.

He said the the exercise will be digitalize to make it easier to be accessed by needy organizations within and outside the country.

Adeyemi pointed out that with accurate database for the children, provisions of necessary facilities for their upbringing will no longer be diverted.

Insecurity: Northern Governors Seek Partnership With Stakeholders

Ayodele Oni

September 3, 2024

Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

By Ayodele Oni

As insecurity in the Northern part of Nigeria continues unabated, governors from the region have resolved to partner relevant stakeholders to tackle the menace.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the collective concerns of the governors on the rising insecurity in the region.

The Governor spoke while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria, as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states, but the entire nation.

A statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General, Press Affairs, said the governor reiterated commitment to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming.

“The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North.”

He disclosed that the NSGF’s response under his leadership, plans to convene an expanded meeting, which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue.

“This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely.”

Abia To Post Security Personnel To Public Schools, Promote 5,746 Teachers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As a proactive measure to secure the lives of students, teachers, their properties and those of the schools, the Abia State Government has announced the deployment of security personnel to all of its schools across the State.

This is even as it informed that about 5,746 staffers under the Abia state Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB have been penciled down for promotion.

Briefing the Media after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, August 2, 2024, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu, said as the schools are geared towards resuming for the 2024/2025 academic session, plans have also been concluded to commence the fencing of public schools, as a veritable way of halting the spate of vandalism and property theft rocking most public schools in the state.

According to the Information Commissioner, protecting the lives of students and teachers in schools have been an integral component of Dr Alex Otti’s administration reform agenda within the education sector.

“As part of this reform agenda in the educational system, the promise that the State Government has made in the past has come to fulfilment with the posting of security personnel to our schools.

*If you recall, this issue has been on the front burner for a while and posting security personnel to our schools is meant to secure lives and properties of both the students and teachers ,as well as the schools properties,” Prince Kalu stated.

As part of the intentional efforts to boost morale, and improve the standard of the educational system, the State Government through ASUBEB has concluded plans to effect the promotion of teachers who, for some time, have not enjoyed the exercise.

He ,also informed that besides the 5,746 teachers to be promoted, about 2000 others are to be trained under the State’s Master Trainers Programme .

So far, according to the Commissioner,? 200 teachers have completed the programme.

He stated that the 2000 teachers for the Master Trainers programme which will be conducted in phases to ensure effectiveness, were selected from across the 17 Local Councils of the State

“The remaining 1,800 trainers would be trained and this is part of a wider agenda of the state Government to reform our educational system”, he noted

The Commissioner emphasized the commitment of the Government to the welfare of the teachers as a sure way towards improving the standard of education in the State.

Group Wants Military Decentralized, Demands $100 Billion Compensation For Movement Of Capital To Abuja

Akinwale Kasali

September 3, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Wants NDA Established In Six Geopolitical Zones ●OAU, NTA, Returned To SW● Gives Dateline● Threatens Revolution

A Pan Yoruba Group Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, made up of a coalition of over 130 pan-Yoruba Civil Society and Artisan Groups has called on the Federal Government, FG, to decentralize the Country’s Military Institutions.

The Group demanded that the Nigerian Defence Acadamy, NDA, and other Military Institutions be established in all the Six Geo Political Zones as a minimum guarantee against parochial Military adventures in politics.

In a Communique by the Group signed by its Geneal Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, it asked the Central Government to pay $100 Billion compensation to Lagos State for the movement of the capital from Lagos in 1991 to Abuja in line with global best practices.

The AYDM called for equitable distribution of resources, arguing that the current concentration of Military Establishments is detrimental to the security of Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria.

AYDM further demanded from the Federal Government to return Old Western Nigeria assets seized by the military like Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, in Ile Ife, Osun State, the Nigeria House in London, United Kingdom, and some Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, offices spread across the country.

The group stated that the $100b compensation for Lagos State, has to do with the financial and infrastructural losses the state incurred following the relocation of the Nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja

It further argued that Lagos, as the former Capital, deserves compensation for the economic impact of the move.

The Group further appealed to South West Governors to take concrete steps in strengthening regional security.

It also urged the governors to empower the Amotekun security outfit by providing advanced training in intelligence gathering and equipping them with sophisticated weapons, including drones, to enhance their effectiveness in protecting Yoruba territories.

AYDM, also, proposed the establishment of a South West Intelligence Bureau, SWIB, dedicated to crime prevention and counterterrorism efforts in the region.

“This Bureau would focus on gathering actionable intelligence to tackle insecurity more decisively within the South West.

“In addition to security measures, the Group advocated for the creation of a South West Agricultural Bank aimed at empowering farmers in the region, making them the primary shareholders. They also recommended setting up an Artisan Development Fund to support training, education, and loan grants for Yoruba artisans and traders, who were once globally recognized for their skills in the 1960s, 1970s, but are now poorly trained without work ethics which affects the development of skill and infrastructure in the South West.”

The Group equally demanded the immediate return of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to the South West States, arguing that the Institution was unjustly taken over by the Federal Government through Military Decrees in 1976.

They further asked that all Federal Universities be returned to the states or regions where they are located, asserting that local control would enhance the management and development of these Institutions.

The Group’s demands reflect a broader call for self determination and resource allocation and management by indigenous peoples.

It urged the Federal Government and South West Governors to take swift action to address these concerns before it is too late.

It, also, asked all armed non-State actors to leave the South West forests and territories before 21 days or face mass revolt.

NNPCL Increases Fuel Pump Price To N855, Nigerians Groan

Akinwale Kasali

September 3, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has further escalated Nigerians financial burden following an increase in the prices of fuel.

Despite the lingering fuel scarcity and crisis, the NNPCL has adjusted the fuel price from N650 to N855.

Apparently to avoid any backlash that could trail the new price, the NNPCL have directed its outlets to adjust the pump prices with over 30 percent increments.

The increments were discovered on Tuesday at dispensing machines of government-backed NNPCL stations in Lagos and Abuja.

The price, it was gathered has been reviewed upward to reflect the global price and reduce the debt burden on NNPCL.

This came barely two days after NNPCL Management disclosed that the firm is owing suppliers of the products over Six Billion US Dollars.

This development will, it is said cushion the debt burden of the NNPCL.

“Why We Hired Private Security Firm” – Ondo Govt

Ayodele Oni

September 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Has Ondo State Government secured the services of a private security firm to protect farmers in the state from incessant Fulani herdsmen attack?

This is the question in the lips of several persons in the State following a social media report earlier by a private security firm that the State Government has engaged its services.

Government had, weeks ago, announced that a special squad within the State Security, Amotekun, has been set up to protect farmers from incessant attacks by the dreadful Fulani herdsmen.

However another online report credited to the Chairman of Global Olabod Resources, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, had claimed that the state Government’s intention to hire its firm was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands.

In its reaction, Ondo State Security Network Agency, code-named Amotekun Corps, debunked the publications titled: :Amid Amotekun Operatives’ Pleas for Support, Ondo Governor Contracts Private Security Outfit to Take Over Security Firm’s Function.”

“The Government dissociates itself from the publications making rounds that the government attempt to enlist the services of Global Olabod Resources Limited as the information circulating is unsubstantiated.”

The Amotekun Corps added that all security agencies in the state, including the Ondo Police Command, the Army, the Navy, the DSS, and the Civil Defence, are working tirelessly with the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure peace and tranquillity for the citizens of Ondo State.

A statement by spokesman of the corps, Jimoh Adeniken further stated that its operatives will leave no stone unturned as they work robustly with other agencies to guarantee peace and the safety of lives and property of Ondo State residents.

Also reacting, Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Security, clarify that “The recent reports suggesting that the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has contracted the services of a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, to enhance state security—particularly to protect farmers in the state’s forest reserves—are incorrect, misleading, and misinformed.

“The claim made by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, that the state government’s intention was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands is a misrepresentation of the facts.

“It is important to clarify that the state government currently enjoys a strong and cooperative relationship with all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s homeland security unit, Amotekun.

“Most notably, these security agencies in the state have been performing admirably in fulfilling their duty to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.

“The engagement of Global Olabod Resources Limited by the state government is specifically for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, to provide the government with accurate and reliable data.

“It is inappropriate for a privately-owned firm to claim or assume the role of coordinating all the security agencies in the state—especially in a state where government officials are already tasked with such responsibilities.

“Under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government will continue to collaborate with all relevant federal security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the entire state and its inhabitants.

“The general public can rest assured that both federal and state security agencies will not shirk their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

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Wants NDA Established In Six Geopolitical Zones ●OAU, NTA, Returned To SW● Gives Dateline● Threatens Revolution