.. Orders Improved Preventive Deployments, Investigations into Attacks.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has embarked on a critical duty tour by convoy patrol to assess and address the prevailing security challenges in some parts of Plateau State. As part of his tour, on Wednesday 19th July, 2023.

The IGP, in a statement by the Force Spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
made a significant stopover at the Akwanga Area Command and Divisional Headquarters, a place that holds special significance as it was the initial posting of the IGP when he was commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) into the Nigeria Police Force several years ago.

During the duty tour to Plateau State, the IGP had a crucial meeting with the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Muftwang, at the State House, where they extensively discussed the security situation in the state, analyzing its complexities and exploring strategic solutions.

Following the meeting, the IGP proceeded to convene a gathering with the Plateau Stakeholders Forum at the Police Officers Mess in Jos, providing an opportunity for comprehensive deliberations and collaboration among key stakeholders to address the prevailing security challenges and foster sustainable peace and stability in the region.

Similarly, the IGP proceeded to Mangu Local Government Area of the state, the epicenter of the immediate security challenge, where he actively engaged with the local community and police operatives on the ground to corroborate intelligence received on the situation.

The interaction provided a platform for open dialogue and enabled the IGP to assess the state of affairs, gather valuable insights, and reinforced the commitment of the Police to addressing the security challenges faced by the people of Mangu and restoring peace and order in the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, emphasized the need for improved preventive deployments, effective intelligence gathering, and community engagements to proactively address the security concerns in Mangu.

The IGP while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to protect lives and property, and restore peace and harmony in the area, reiterated the NPF’s resoluteness in its determination to deploy necessary resources, strengthen preventive measures, and implement proactive strategies to address the security concerns in Plateau State and other regions across the country.

Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, however, charged the good people of Plateau state to refrain from attaching religious or ethnic colourations to the criminals perpetrating heinous killings and crimes in the state as a criminal remains one irrespective of his religion or ethnicity, and such colourations could cause more harm to our peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, govs meet on how to revive the economy.

President Bola Tinubu and vice president Kashim Shettima have met with President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio, in continuation of consultation on how revive the economy

Also present at the meeting at presidential villa, Abuja on Wednesday evening were the governors of Imo, Kwara, Lagos and Ogun Hope Uzodinma, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, respectively. Former governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje was also present.

Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy explained that the meeting also looked at how to  finalize arrangement on the distribution of palliatives to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
The presidency had earlier proposed the distribution of grains and fertilizers to farmers also as part of measures to boost food security in the country.

No conversation between CJN, Tinubu, says Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday described as untrue reports that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had a telephone conversation with President Bola Tinubu and the Director General of the Department of State Services on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The apex court warned that if the current trend of falsehood and mudslinging continued to be sustained, Nigeria may not make the desired progress. The Director of Press and Information in the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, made the clarification in a statement titled, “No telephone conversations between CJN and anyone concerning the Presidential Election Petition.”

He said, “In view of the rumor currently circulating in the social media space that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola had a telephone conversation with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director General of the Department of State Service with a view to pressurising the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the likely judgment to give, it is imperative to state clearly that there is no iota of truth in the narrative, as there was no such telephone conversation between the CJN and anyone.

“Nigerians have been following the proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal with admirable enthusiasm. So, it is advisable we all sustain the tempo and follow it up to the end, instead of relapsing into the realm of speculations and rumor peddling that will not do anyone any good. If this current trend of falsehood and mudslinging is sustained, our nation may not make the desired progress.

“The Courts are statutorily established to serve the best interest of the masses, and we are ever poised to do that to the best of our ability. We wish to plead with everyone to cooperate with the judiciary to serve the country to its full capacity, as no one will ever be favoured against the other in any dispute.

“The rule of law and supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution will always be upheld and applied in every matter that comes before the courts; as the facts presented and the subsisting laws must be applied in determining the merit or otherwise of each matter. The public should rest assured that justice will be done to all matters pending in the various courts across the country, irrespective of who is involved.”

 

At 60 NIS is waxing stronger – Comptroller Sunday James.

As the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rolls out drums to mark its 60 years anniversary in August 2023, its Rivers State Command Comptroller Sunday James has asserted that the agency has recorded a lot of achievement, especially with the introduction of a polycarbonate passport, which is first of its kind in Africa.

The Nigeria passport, he described as safe for international travels without the usual experience encountered by other countries, whose passport is yet to meet the  ICAO standard. He emphasised that the country has a 10 year 64 page passport to take care of the diasporans, reducing the frequency of visit to  Consular Missions for Renewal.

According to him, this and many other strategic Immigration Services has in many ways helped Nigerians and  foreign investors see the country as a most preferred destination for businesses and investments.

It reads, ”The Nigeria Immigration Service will be 60 years on the 1st August 2023, as an established agency of government saddled with the statutory duty of control of Entry and Exit into and out of the country, issuance of residence permit to expatriates, issuance of other conceivable to Non- Nigerians coming to Nigeria for business discussion, investment, tourism, visit, turnaround maintenance and other ancillary and allied Immigration related matters.

”The Nigeria Immigration Service patrol and surveillance activities is designed to keep the borders safe in the interest of the nation, and to protect the economy of Nigeria from economic saboteurs both from within and from outside, and infiltration of irregular migrants from entering the country unnoticed, the border patrol bases established to compliment the efforts of the control posts and checkpoints around the border flanks to reduce area of coverage along the borderline.

”Most Nigerians complain about porous border, but, there is nothing practically and professionally like that, since officers are deployed, who work around the clock 24/7 to ensure a water tight border. There are unmanned space due to the large expanse of land which only technology can cover, hence the building and equipping of the Technology Building situated at the NIS Headquarters, Abuja where there is a Command and Control Centre to monitor the major border crossing points as a model project, the service established about 30 border patrol bases spread around the country to bridge the gap and address the vacuum.

”The service has well trained and motivated workforce that ensures proactive, effective and efficient border security and Migration management for a secured and prosperous Nigeria.

“The service introduced the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 with the sole aim of addressing all conceivable visa cases and need to promote a healthy business and investment environment, tourism, hospitality and enhanced industrialisation and technological development.

”The Migration Directorate has two divisions, Regular and Irregular Migration Divisions that regulates, monitor and discourage irregular migration while supporting regular migration for the security and prosperity of Nigeria.

”The Service control of migration is designed for control before entry, at the point of Entry and after entry, before entry control is by the visa control, surveillance and patrol, at the point of Entry the service control on Land, Air and Sea at the land border posts through the control posts and checkpoints ,Waterways and  Airports and Helipads apart from officers on spot check, visit for Hotel monitoring and inspection, visit to company’s that have expatriates etc.

“Every company that operates with business permit and within Nigeria must obtain an expatriate quota grant to operate.

“The Nigerian economic climate favors so many investment activities, hence the three classes of Visa and 79 categories to cater for all conceivable purposes and need.

“At 60 years, the service has achieved so much in the introduction of a polycarbonate passport first of its kind in Africa and safe for international travels without the usual experience encounter by others, whose passport is yet to meet ICAO standard.

”The country has a 10 year 64 page passport to take care of the diasporans reducing the frequency of visit to  Consular Missions for Renewal, this and many other strategic Immigration Services has in many ways helped Nigerians and  foreign investors see the country as a most preferred destination for businesses and investments”.

 

Nigerians Entered One-chance, Headed for Chaos with Tinubu – TUC.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed its discouragement with the Federal Government over the increase in the price of fuel. TUC’s national vice president, Tommy Etim, said the country is currently headed towards economic chaos.

“We are entering one-chance. It is unfortunate that the government is insensitive to the plight of the commoners and the poorest of the poor. You can see that fuel which is essential to the movement of goods and services, including the informal businesses, have continued to fluctuate in price,” Etim said.

He described the decision of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase the fuel price without any cogent reasons as unfair.

Etim further explained that the template for the implementation of the proposal for palliative for Nigerians has not been concluded noting that “all that we are seeing is Tinubu going to the National Assembly, talking about distribution of N8,000 to 12 million households”.

“What is the credibility of the social register? Nigeria is undergoing dimensional poverty and with the inflation rate, we are praying that we will not be like Zimbabwe. Look at the naira, this calls for urgent attention.

“When Tinubu came in we were optimistic and we felt that he started well but he has started to deviate. He needs to remember the poorest of the poor who voted him into office. “Look at the prices of food. Garri is now a luxury. People can’t afford garri again.

Government has refused to think outside the box. At this point, we are seriously doubting if the proposal of the committee will be implemented,” he added.

 

Hike in fuel price: Ondo workers demand salary arrears, palliatives.

The Organised Labour, comprising Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, in Ondo State, on yesterday , described the increase in the pump price of petroleum products as wicked.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Akure, the labour unions expressed worries over the government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

In a communiqué by leaders of the organised union, they joined “well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this wicked action of government, as it is absolutely beyond the reach of the majority of our people.”

The communiqué, signed by the NLC Chairman, Victor Amoko; Secretary, Amos Sunday; TUC Chairman, Clement Fatuase; Secretary, Gideon Bakare; JNC Chairman, Ademola Adeniji, and Secretary, Adeleye Esther, reads: “We have resolved that the state government, as a matter of urgency, should roll out palliatives for the workers and masses of the state to ease the agonies inflicted as a result of the hike in price of PMS.

“All outstanding salaries and allowances owed to the workers of the state should be paid immediately.
“That any committee on palliatives set up by the state government, without the input of Ondo State Organized Labour, would be out rightly rejected.”

 

NNPC MD, Kyari Meets Shettima, Speaks On Petrol Price Increase.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari has attributed the recent rise in petrol pump price from N540 to N617 per litre to market forces.

Kyari offered this explanation on Tuesday following a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Villa.
He assured state house correspondents that the price increase is not a consequence of a petrol shortage. The price of petrol in the NNPC fueling station has been increased to N617.

 

NCDC Says Anthrax Has Spread To South, North.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday disclosed that Anthrax disease may have spread to the south and other parts of the north.

This is barely 24 hours after the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed the first case of the disease in Niger State. The first case of the disease outbreak was confirmed on a multi-specie animal farm comprising cattle, sheep, and goats in Suleja.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, the NCDC’s Executive Director, Ifedayo Adetifa, said that the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture was notified of animals manifesting symptoms of a suspected case of anthrax in a farm in Suleja, Niger State.

He lamented that Anthrax may have spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“It is also possible that the disease is currently across the country, and likely other cases that are yet to be notified. But we can only react to what we know,” NCDC DG said.

He warned that animals around the reported farm and beyond that are sick should be reported to the human and animal health authority while the slaughtered and dead ones with clotted blood after being killed should be disposed of or notified immediately.

 

DSS Mocks ‘Biafra’ Lawyer, Claims Emefiele May Be IPOB Member.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday mocked a legal practitioner, Maxwell Okpara for dragging the agency to court.

Okpara and other lawyers had filed a contempt of court charge against the DSS and its Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, over the continued detention of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

According to the lawyers, the criminal charge against the DSS boss was a result of a violation of multiple judgements and orders of the court directing the release of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, from the custody of the agency.

Led by Maxwell Opara and Ahmed Tijani, the lawyers are praying that the court commits Bichi to prison until he purges himself of the contempt.

In their motion filed before the court for the issuing of Form 48 and Form 49, the lawyers said by the judgements and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan, Justice Hamza Muazu and Justice Bello Kawu, the DSS DG ought to have released Emefiele from detention.

Reacting in a series of posts on its Twitter handle, the DSS questioned the rationale behind the court case, wondering whether Emefiele is part of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Describing Okpara as a Biafra agitator and charge and bail lawyer, the DSS slammed him for defending the suspended CBN Governor.

 

EFCC Denies Authorization Of Charges Against Former Aviation Minister, Oduah.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, has distanced itself from the actions of police lawyer, Ibrahim Mohammed, who filed a criminal charge against former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah.

The agency told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, was neither mandated nor authorised to press any criminal charges against Mrs. Oduah, currently a senator representing Anambra North.
Speaking in court, EFCC’s counsel, Helen Okonofua, stated that Mohammed, who alleged to be acting from the Legal Department of the Force Headquarters, was not authorised to represent the EFCC in prosecuting Mrs. Oduah on any criminal matter.

Okonofua clarified that Mohammed had worked with the EFCC previously but was re-assigned back to the police force on November 4, 2022. “He had since had nothing to do with the EFCC,” she said.
The EFCC’s legal representative also noted that the criminal charge filed on June 22, 2023, by the police lawyer did not have the authority or approval of the agency.
She informed Justice James Omotoso that the EFCC has been investigating Mohammed, as per the judge’s orders.
The findings from this investigation will be filed at the court registry and made available to the court at a later date.

 

Shettima Meets With NESG Delegation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the determination of the Bola Tinubu administration to continue to develop economic policies and programmes that will drive investments and create more jobs, especially in agriculture and the digital sector.

Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday when the Board and Management of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) led by the Chairman, Olaniyi Yusuf, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa. Shettima explained that the Federal Government will among other measures, enhance engagements and partnerships with the private sector, including the NESG, to achieve its objectives.

Speaking about harnessing Nigeria’s population for economic development, Shettima noted that “the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. The anticipated demographic bulge by 2050 where we are expected to be the 3rd most populous nation on earth is a major factor.”

 

Tinubu’s Govt Increases Petrol Price
The Nigerian National Petroleum.

Company Limited (NNPCL) has further increased pump prices of Petrol, known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from 537 to 617 naira Per Litre. NNPC filling stations increased their prices on Tuesday morning.

NNPC filling stations in Abuja witnessed brief queues, particularly the one located along Murtala Mohammed Express road, Kado remained shut for some few hours as the Petrol attendants adjusted their fuel pumps to reflect the new price of 617 naira.
Also NNPCL filling stations in Ushafa and one of its mega stations at Durumi, in the Federal Capital Territory, increased pump price as other filling stations later followed suit.

 

ECOWAS: What President Tinubu Discussed With Colleagues From Benin, Niger And Guinea-Bissau.

The Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday said the security challenges in the West Coast had been thoroughly reviewed and a properly-funded strategy would be instituted to tackle terrorism.

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This was made known in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake. President Tinubu made the disclosure about a new approach by ECOWAS leaders to tackle security, with more measurable results, after a meeting with Presidents of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, Guinea-Bissau, Umaru Sissoco Embalo, and Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, at the State House.

He told State House correspondents ‘‘We have no problems raising funds. We believe we have the instruments to do that. We believe we are capable of raising necessary funds to combat terrorism in the sub-region.”

Tinubu noted that the West African leaders had extensive deliberations on sustaining democracy on the West Coast and fashioning out the framework for confronting security.

 

President Tinubu Orders Review Of N8,000 Palliative After Outrage By Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the N8,000 planned to be given to vulnerable Nigerians for six months to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.This development was made known in a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake.

The President, according to Mr Alake took the decision based on the feedback gotten after the announcement of the planned palliative and the way some people are trying to twist the government’s intentions.
Apart from a review of the N8,000, the presidential media aide added that the cash programme is not the only item in the whole gamut of relief package and President Tinubu has ordered that the entire package be revealed to Nigerians.

 

Jonathan Meets Presidential Tinubu In Aso Villa.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The former Nigerian leader revealed that his visit to the President is to discuss issues pertaining to Africa and the West Africa subregion.

Jonathan, who is also Head of the ECOWAS Mediation Team to Mali, told pressmen after the meeting that “I came to brief the president about some continental and subcontinental bodies.

“I am the ECOWAS mediator for Mali and I’m the chair of the West African Elders Forum. So, there are certain issues bordering on the continent and the subregion that I discuss with various presidents.”

 

N617/Ltr: Don’t be surprised if the price/Ltr later jumps to N2000, N3000-Prince Adebayo.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, was interviewed by the Africa Independent Television (AIT) today where he spoke about the new fuel pump price of the NNPC.

Prince Adewole Adebayo said, “one thing you need to know is that the economy is no respecter of anyone’s politics. Economics has its own rules and these were discussed by me during the presidential debate. Don’t be surprised if the pump price later jumps to two thousand naira (N2,000) or three thousand naira (N3,000) because it is simply not a government regulated product anymore.” He added, “the petrol is now like every product in the economy which has its own costing.”

Speaking further, Prince Adewole Adebayo said, “the regime I had recommended was one that would have given guarantee to Nigerians about all these things. Unfortunately, the right wing of Nigerian politics managed to convince people that the pump price should be determined by market forces. The right wing saw ‘subsidy’ as a dirty word.”

Again, Prince Adewole Adebayo said, “these days, we will experience a free fall of pump price. As a matter of fact, there are three factors that are presently affecting the price.”

Lastly, Prince Adewole Adebayo said, “the first is importation. The second is market forces which are regulated by foreign currencies that will keep dangling our pump price. The third is that the products used for petrol production are regulated by the US dollars. This implies also that if the rate of foreign exchange goes up within two weeks, the price of fuel will also go high.”

 

Governor Adeleke Conducts Swearing- in Ceremony for Commissioners, Reads Riot Act.

Full List of Commissioners & Portifolios

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday swears in 25 commissioners and three permanent secretaries, charging them to be efficient and effective in moving the state forward in line with his administration’s plans and policies.

While congratulating the newly appointed Commissioners, the Governor calls on them to discharge their duties diligently, listen to the concerns of the people and work towards addressing their concerns, adding that any form of indiscipline will not be tolerated.

Governor Adeleke maintained that the commissioners are a product of stakeholders choice and are all merit based.

He said, “Our team of commissioners are therefore a product of stakeholders’ choices.

“It is important to affirm that my preoccupation throughout the process was a merit based pathway.

“This passion of mine for putting together qualified hands was reflected in the template the party applied throughout.

“Now that the team is assembled, let me share a brief about my vision for the state. I seek a very responsive government that listens and satisfies the wishes of the people. So your goal must be real service to the people.”

Governor Adeleke stated further that it is expected of all commissioners to act with integrity and honesty, adding that no corrupt practice will be tolerated.

“I value honesty and integrity in public service. You must be above board. Corrupt conduct will be heavily sanctioned.

“I love thinking out of the box in governance. As political heads of your ministries, be very innovative. Generate and implement new ideas.

“In times of national economic emergency, I love achieving much with little resources. Be prudent and adopt measures that reduce cost of projects and services.

“As we all know, I am a team player. There won’t be any room for solo actors in our cabinet. You must work as a team with a common goal to make a difference in the lives of our people.

“Above all, my leadership is about due process and rule of law. You must not cut corners. I will not compromise transparency and accountability.

“As you are coming on board, the task before us is enormous. We have a duty to turn our adversity into assets. We must re-engineer our economy, generate wealth, engage our youth, deepen our economic base, embrace the digital economy and implement our climate action agenda”, Governor Adeleke maintained.

The Governor promised to support and give a level playing ground to all commissioners adding that the five points agenda of the government should be focused on all ministries serving as a guide in all plans and projects.

“You will find in me a receptive and supportive head of administration.To harness our potentials and capacities, an executive retreat is in the making for all top appointees and officials.

“At that event, an expanded five point agenda of the administration will be a focus. We will leave the retreat better equipped to deliver on our mission and vision as a government.

“The people of Osun have high expectations from this administration. We have not and will not disappoint them. My team will redouble its efforts to deliver on our election promises. We will sustain our high performing rating”, he added.

Below is the full list of commissioners and portifolios:

1. Kolapo Alimi Esq- Commissioner for Information and public enlightenment.

2. Dosu Babatunde Esq – Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

3. Moshood Olagunju – Commissioner for youth Affairs

4. Hon. Soji Ajeigbe – Commissioner for Government Affairs and Protocol

5. Jimi Bada Esq – Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General

6. Mrs Ayo Awolowo – Commissioner for Women affairs

7. Hon. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo – Commissioner for Education

8. Hon. Olusesan Oyedele -Commissioner for transport

9. Dr BT Salam – Commissioner for Internal Integration and Special Duties

10. Hon. Olufemi Oroniyi- Commissioner for Water Resources

11. Prof Moruf Ademola Adeleke – Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning

12. Hon Maruff Dele Ayofe – Commissioner for Science Information Communications and Technology.

13. Mrs. Adenike Folasade Adeleke – Commissioner for Federal Affairs

14. Rev. Bunmi Jenyo – Commissioner for Commerce and Industries

15. Mr. Shola Ogungbile – Commissioner for Finance

16. Hon Tola Faseru – Commissioner for Agriculture

17. Barrister Jola Akintola – Commissioner for Health

18. Hon Mayowa Adejonrin – Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation

19. Hon. Festus Adeyemo- Commissioner for Energy.

20. Hon. Aderibigbe Rasheed – Commissioner for Home Affairs

21. Hon. Ojo Fafa Abiodun – Commissioner for Culture and Tourism

22. Alh. Ganiyu Olaoluwa Asejere – Commissioner for a Rural Development and Community Affairs

23. Hon George Alabi – Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning

24. Hon. Bayo Ogunbangbe – Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment

25. Hon. Biyi Odunlade – Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relation

••• His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke – Works

••• His Excellency Prince Kola Adewusi – Sports and Special Needs

Signed:
_Mallam Olawale Rasheed,_
_Spokesperson to the State Governor.