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….signs wage agreement with labour leaders 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state effective December 1. 

The approval follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the state Government and leaders of Organised labour in the state. 

According to the MoU, the new minimum wage will cover all strata of Ekiti workers, as well as pensioners. 

The wage agreement was signed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; while leaders of the labour centres in the state signed on behalf of workers. 

Dr Olomojobi said Governor Oyebanji approved the template the way it was presented by the committee based on the Governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and wellbeing. 

While describing Governor Oyebanji as a “worker - friendly Governor” who desires the best for workers in the state, the Head of Service used the opportunity to express her appreciation to the labour leaders for their understanding, patience and dexterity in achieving the best for the workers. 

She also thanked Ekiti workers for waiting patiently for the outcome of the decision of the committee and for their unwavering trust in the state government that it will give them the best deal.

She called on workers to reciprocate the government gesture by enhancing their service delivery through their commitment to the success of the administration.

“Today is another landmark in the history of Ekiti State as we come together to sign the new minimum wage for Ekiti State Public servants. I want to first appreciate our Governor, who on the 31st August, 2024 put together the committee to negotiate Ekiti state public service minimum wage. This committee has taken not less than eight weeks to meet to deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti state.

“I want to emphasize that this was a very painstaking process, it was a process that brought to bear the funds available to Ekiti. In the midst of this, Mr Governor bent forward and backward to accommodate our yearnings, and today we have agreed on the minimum wage to be paid in Ekiti State. 

“In the past few weeks, we have also put together the consequential adjustment and I am happy to announce that the Governor of Ekiti State is bringing out the best for every public worker in the state.

“I have had the privilege of looking at what is done across the nation and I congratulate Ekiti state workers for having the best deal. Today we will be endorsing the consequential adjustment, across the state, local government areas, across every parastatals and MDAs in the state. The pensioners are not left out”, The Head of Service stated.

In their separate remarks, Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at giving the best to Ekiti workers.

The Labour leaders also noted that the new minimum wage cut across all strata of Ekiti workforce including the pensioners, adding that when the table is compared with those of other states, Governor Oyebanji has given the best.

Also at the brief event were the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Permanent Secretaries of Ministry of Finance and Office of Establishment, Training and Service Delivery.

It is recalled that Governor Oyebanji had since assuming office as the Chief Executive of the state on October 16, 2022 demonstrated strong commitment to workers welfare and wellbeing, in addition to creating economic opportunities for those in the informal sector. 

Aside regular payment of salaries and pensions ( usually paid around 22nd of every month), the Governor has also ensured regular payment of deductions to appropriate channels. 

In the wake of the subsidy removal last year, Governor Oyebanji also introduced a special wage award of N15,000 to workers and N10,000 to pensioners to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal and the attendant economic challenges . 

The wage award, which was initially planned for six months, has since being paid along with salaries and pensions to workers and pensioners, thereby making Ekiti one of the few states paying wage award to workers and pensioners till date. 

In a bold attempt to defray outstanding gratuities owed by previous administrations, Governor Oyebanji had in the last two months doled out a total N4.5 billion to pay pensioners. 

The new minimum wage reflects the commitment of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration to ensure the state workforce is supported and motivated for a more effective service delivery.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Power, has disclosed plans to source $10 billion from the private sector to provide regular electricity across Nigeria within the next five to 10 years.

This formed the crux of the deliberation when Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) paid a courtesy visit to Adebayo A. Adelabu, minister of Power, on Tuesday in Abuja, a statement said.

The duo agreed that, given the funding and technical requirements needed to advance the power sector in Nigeria, it had become imperative to seek private sector input through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in co-financing and providing expertise to ensure optimal power infrastructure performance.

Speaking during the meeting, the DG of the PPP of the regulatory body acknowledged the challenges in the sector were hydra-headed and went beyond funding alone, noting that with such inter-agency collaboration and partnership with the private sector, the limitations could be addressed.

Reacting to a comment by the minister, the DG said that through its regulatory processes, the ICRC can midwife private sector investment of part of the $10 billion in the power sector to provide regular electricity, attract more foreign direct investment to other sectors, and ultimately grow the economy.

“Revamping the power sector requires planning, it involves investments and it takes time. So, we need to collaborate to solve the issues in this sector.

“The investment required in power is very huge and government cannot fund it alone, so we have to leverage on the financing capacity of the private sector. That is why the ICRC was set up to regulate this leverage.

 

“The Commission is poised to regulating the processes of attracting investment to the power sector.”

In addition, Ewalefoh said that in a bid to accelerate PPP investment as directed by President Bola Tinubu, the Commission had issued a 6-point policy direction that streamlined the process of service delivery.

The DG stressed that whereas the processes had been streamlined to accelerate project delivery and encourage investors to adopt PPP, the Commission was not relenting or compromising on its stringent regulatory function to forestall contingent liabilities or unnecessary delays by companies lacking the requisite capacity.

In view of the above, the ICRC’s helmsman added that the Commission was now insisting on inserting conditions precedent to all PPP agreements such that any preferred bidder that defaults will have their agreement automatically nullified by reason of their default.

In his response, the minister commended the DG for the initiative to visit the ministry with the proposal of advancing investment in the power sector through PPPs.

“For us to achieve 24-hour power supply across Nigeria in the next five to 10 years, there is a minimum funding requirement of about $10 billion in the next 10 years. The government cannot afford that when there are other critical sectors in need of funding.

“Can the government do it alone? No, which is why we have to look for or marshal private sector funds while still retaining government interest and ownership. That is where ICRC comes in. We need to do this in collaboration with the private sector and the best way is through concession,” he added.

[BusinessDay]

In a democracy, trust in the electoral process is the bedrock upon which all other elements of governance rest. Without a credible, independent, and transparent electoral system, the foundation of democracy crumbles, leaving citizens disillusioned and governance compromised. This is precisely the context in which Nigeria finds itself today, as calls for electoral reforms and leadership changes at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intensify. At the forefront of these calls is former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose recent recommendations for a leadership overhaul of INEC have sparked widespread discussion.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing, it is expedient to recall that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system. He emphasized the need to appoint new, credible leaders for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with shorter tenures to reduce corruption and rebuild public trust.

In his keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo criticized the 2023 general elections, labeling them a “travesty.” He advocated for rigorous vetting of INEC officials to ensure non-partisan appointments and stressed that the INEC chairperson must be independent, transparent, and above reproach.

 

Obasanjo also recommended implementing strict financial regulations for political campaigns to enhance transparency. He emphasized protecting the electoral process from both local and foreign interference and called for securing the technology infrastructure used in elections to prevent manipulation.

The former president accused INEC of intentionally failing to utilize the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and election viewing portal (IReV) during the 2023 elections, which he argued contributed to widespread irregularities. Obasanjo suggested that these technologies, which had previously been lauded for their potential to ensure transparency, were deliberately sidelined, undermining the credibility of the election.

Given the state of Nigeria’s current political landscape, it is essential to examine why Obasanjo’s call deserves serious consideration and how a change in the leadership of INEC could potentially re-establish public trust in the electoral system.

 

Former President Obasanjo, known for his outspokenness on matters of national interest, has consistently advocated for credible elections as the only route to sustainable democracy in Nigeria. In his recent remarks, he expressed deep concern over the performance of INEC under its current leadership, pointing to a series of lapses in the 2023 general elections. The discrepancies, delays, and widespread allegations of electoral malpractice have left many Nigerians questioning the integrity of the electoral body. Obasanjo’s call for a change in INEC’s leadership is not just a critique but a plea for urgent reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

Nigeria’s electoral body, like any institution, thrives on trust and competence. Unfortunately, recent elections have shown that INEC is struggling to maintain these virtues. The 2023 elections, which were supposed to be a showcase of improved technology and efficiency, were instead marred by controversies surrounding the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results. Reports of technical glitches, coupled with allegations of voter suppression and ballot box snatching, further eroded confidence in the process.

In a country where elections have historically been contentious, the failure of INEC to ensure transparency and fairness only deepens the already pervasive distrust among citizens. When an institution as critical as INEC appears compromised or incompetent, it undermines the very essence of democracy, leaving citizens with little faith in the electoral outcomes.

 

A leadership change at INEC could serve as the first step toward rebuilding public trust. Obasanjo’s call for new leadership is not merely a demand for change for the sake of change but rather a call for a fresh approach to election management. The current leadership, under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has faced numerous criticisms over its inability to deliver on its promises of free, fair, and credible elections. While there may have been significant improvements in voter registration and the deployment of technology, these efforts are meaningless if they do not translate into credible electoral outcomes.

Replacing the leadership with individuals who have proven integrity and competence could breathe new life into INEC, restoring public confidence and ensuring that future elections are not just a formality but a genuine expression of the people’s will.

In established democracies, the integrity of electoral bodies is non-negotiable. Nations like Ghana, South Africa, and India have managed to build electoral systems that inspire confidence by prioritizing competence and transparency. Leadership in these countries’ electoral commissions is not only about technical expertise but also about a commitment to fairness and accountability.

 

Nigeria can draw lessons from these examples. A change in INEC’s leadership, coupled with reforms to strengthen the institution’s independence and transparency, could set the stage for a more credible electoral process. The goal should be to establish an INEC that is insulated from political pressures, one that upholds the sanctity of the ballot box as sacrosanct.

While Obasanjo’s call is significant, it should not be seen as a partisan move but rather as a call to action for all stakeholders. The Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and international partners must work together to address the structural weaknesses within INEC. This should include a thorough review of the 2023 elections, with a focus on identifying what went wrong and implementing recommendations to prevent future failures.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s political class must recognize that democracy is not merely about winning elections but about ensuring that the process is free, fair, and credible. Until the leadership of INEC is strengthened, the country risks descending further into electoral chaos, with the potential for violence and civil unrest.

 

Obasanjo’s call for a leadership change at INEC is not a witch hunt but a necessary step toward restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. The expediency of such a change cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for the survival of democracy in the country. Without an electoral system that citizens believe in, the legitimacy of any government that emerges will always be in question.

The time for rhetoric is over; what Nigeria needs now are decisive actions to strengthen its democracy. A change in INEC’s leadership, along with comprehensive reforms, is a step in the right direction. Only then can Nigeria hope to restore faith in its democratic institutions and ensure that the will of the people is genuinely reflected in the outcomes of its elections.

As I flip through the delicate, yellowed pages of Nigerian newspapers from the early 1970s, I am struck by a profound sense of déjà vu. Despite the decades that separate those publications from today’s headlines, the themes are hauntingly familiar. Reports of economic hardship, social crises, political instability, and calls for reform fill the pages, as if frozen in time. The frustrations, hopes, and voices of Nigerians from decades past could easily have been written today, underscoring a troubling reality: our challenges have not only persisted but, in many cases, worsened over the years.

This discovery raises an uncomfortable question: have our leaders, many of whom have circulated within Nigeria’s power structures since the return to democracy in 1999, learned nothing from history? And if they have, are they not ashamed that the same headlines, the same unfulfilled promises, continue to haunt this nation? To say the least, this recurring cycle of empty words and failed actions paints a picture of leadership that has left Nigeria perpetually on the brink of change, yet always falling short.

The newspapers I have read, published over fifty years ago, reveal a Nigeria struggling with issues that still define our reality today. Back then, headlines like “Economic Hardships Rock the Nation,” “Unemployment Rates Soar,” and “Infrastructure Crisis: Power Outages Leave Millions in Darkness” appeared in print, resonating with the same urgency we see today. Even back then, columnists and analysts were calling for bold leadership, economic reform, and a commitment to infrastructure development. They warned against reliance on oil alone, urging diversification and investment in long-term growth.

 

Yet here we are, facing these very same issues, compounded by time. The promises of change, of transformation, ring as hollow today as they did then. Are Nigeria’s leaders not troubled by this glaring lack of progress? Are they not embarrassed that the nation they govern still stands on such shaky ground?

Since 1999, Nigeria’s leadership has largely remained in the hands of a small, revolving group of individuals. Politicians who once served as governors are now senators; former ministers reappear as gubernatorial candidates. This recycling of leadership has left little room for new ideas or innovation, resulting in a stagnant political system where self-preservation and personal gain take precedence over national progress.

Every election cycle brings the same well-worn campaign slogans and recycled promises: job creation, anti-corruption efforts, and infrastructure development. And yet, over two decades later, we continue to wait. This lack of progress is not just a failure of policy but a failure of leadership. The same people who have overseen Nigeria’s decline still hold positions of power. Have they no sense of responsibility, or shame, for the worsening state of the nation?

 

The economic conditions described in those old newspapers remain painfully relevant today. Inflation has made basic goods and services unaffordable for the average Nigerian, plunging millions into poverty. Despite Nigeria’s wealth in resources, citizens continue to struggle to afford essentials such as food, healthcare, and education.

While ordinary Nigerians grapple with these economic challenges, our leaders remain largely insulated from these hardships. They live in comfort, shielded from the struggles of everyday life, and seemingly disconnected from the realities of their constituents. How is it that they can witness the hardship that pervades the nation, yet feel no compulsion to change course? Do they not feel the weight of responsibility, knowing that their decisions, or lack thereof, directly contribute to this suffering?

One of the most glaring examples of Nigeria’s stagnation is its crumbling infrastructure. Old newspapers detail stories of power outages, broken roads, and failing healthcare facilities—problems that persist, if not worsen, with each passing year. Despite countless infrastructure projects announced by successive governments, the reality remains bleak. Many rural communities still lack access to electricity, clean water, and reliable healthcare. The country’s road networks, vital for economic development, are neglected, making travel difficult and sometimes deadly.

 

The failure to improve infrastructure is a clear indictment of our leaders’ priorities. How can they bear witness to such decay without feeling a deep sense of shame? For decades, they have allocated funds, drawn up projects, and launched initiatives, yet the results are nowhere to be seen. The nation’s leaders, who frequently travel abroad and experience the benefits of well-developed infrastructure, should surely understand what Nigeria lacks. And yet, their commitment to these issues remains elusive.

Nigeria’s stagnation cannot be attributed solely to its leaders. Issues such as corruption, a lack of accountability, and bureaucratic inefficiencies all play a part. Yet, these are problems that can be tackled, if there is a genuine will to do so. Many countries have faced similar challenges and, through decisive leadership and accountability, have managed to transform themselves. So why does Nigeria remain stuck?

Our leaders must confront their role in perpetuating these issues. Are they truly satisfied with a nation where unemployment is high, healthcare is a luxury, and corruption remains rampant? Are they content with leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled promises? If they are, it is indeed a shameful mark on their record.

 

It is time for Nigeria’s leaders to reflect deeply on the legacy they are leaving. Leadership is not a title or a status to be flaunted; it is a privilege that demands action, accountability, and a commitment to the common good. If they cannot or will not address the issues that hold Nigeria back, then they have no business holding office. Nigeria does not need more empty words or superficial gestures. It needs leaders with a vision, leaders willing to put the nation above personal gain.

Our leaders must confront the question of whether they are proud of the Nigeria they have shaped. Are they content with a country where millions suffer while a select few prosper? If not, then they must begin to make the hard choices required to change our trajectory. It is not enough to make promises if there is no genuine effort to fulfill them.

At the same time, citizens also bear a responsibility to hold their leaders accountable. Nigeria’s journey toward progress will require courage, unity, and an unwavering determination to demand better from those in power. We cannot allow history to keep repeating itself without consequence.

 

As I close these old newspapers and contemplate the familiar struggles captured within their pages, I am left with one question for our leaders: “Are you not ashamed?”

One of India’s largest news agencies, Asian News International (ANI), has filed a lawsuit against an American artificial intelligence company, OpenAI, for alleged unauthorised and storage of its copyrighted content to train the company’s Large Language Models (LLMs).

The lawsuit marks the first of its kind against OpenAI in India, highlighting the increasing scrutiny of artificial intelligence technologies and their compliance with local copyright laws.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the case was presented in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

Represented by lawyer Sidhant Kumar, ANI is seeking initial damages of 20 million rupees ($236,910).

The agency also claimed that OpenAI used its data to enhance the training of its LLMs.

OpenAI’s lawyer, Amit Sibal, argued that the lawsuit lacked jurisdiction since OpenAI does not operate servers or conduct model training in India.

 

Silbal also informed the court that ANI’s content is currently blocked on OpenAI’s platform, asserting that this undermines ANI’s claims.

He disclosed that OpenAI was facing similar lawsuits in other jurisdictions, including 13 cases in the United States and one in Germany.

However, Silbal clarified that no injunctions have been issued against OpenAI globally.

The Delhi High Court admitted the case, emphasising the complexities surrounding LLM training and intellectual property.

The court acknowledged the need for expert assistance in addressing the issues and scheduled the next hearing for January 28, 2025.

[Leadership]

Group Chairman of NGX Group Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, visited the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and the Dubai Financial Markets (DFM) to discuss potential areas of collaboration with the two Exchanges in the areas of dual listings, technology and knowledge sharing and training.

At the DFM, he was received by Hamed Ahmed Ali, the MD/Chief Executive Officer, Aysha Al Falasi, Vice President and Maitha Yousif Almaazmi, Senior Specialist in the Listing Affairs Operations Division.

 

Alhaji Kwairanga extolled Nigeria as the next frontier for discerning investors given its young vibrant population, huge natural resources and business minded political leadership. He commended the two Dubai Exchanges for their leadership in the Middle East capital markets and their efforts to deepen the market with a diverse array of products ranging from Commodities to shariah compliant financial assets.

Alhaji Kwairanga stated that Nigeria and the NGX Group was looking for strategic partners who will invest in and develop areas such as power, oil and gas and technology in Nigeria and the sub-Saharan market.

[DailyTrust]

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed concern over the situation in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, where some individuals have taken multiple wives despite being unable to adequately provide for their families.

In a viral video shared on social media, particularly on TikTok by Kawu Garba, Zulum criticized politicians at both the state and national levels for hesitating to address the issue due to fears of losing votes during elections.

“The question is, which Islamic teacher has spoken out against this? Which member has kicked against this situation?” the Governor asked.

“All they (politicians) say is, ‘Ha, I will not talk.’ Rather, they are concerned with contesting and winning their elections. They refuse to speak out so that the IDPs will not vote against them.”

Zulum cited an example of an individual who arrived at the camp in 2011 or 2012 with one wife but now has four, underscoring the economic strain this behavior places on the state.

The Governor’s statement has sparked varied reactions from TikTok users:

Ken Musa Ehi: “You guys need to start educating them.”

Truth Matters: “Finally, we have a true leader in Prof Zulum who is not afraid to tell the truth regardless of political costs.”

B-B: “And you allowed him to remain in the camp?”

Whale V: “If everyone in that region can speak up like him, the people would begin to realize they are on the wrong path.”

Capt Imran: “If you have the capacity, go ahead without adding unnecessary expenses and responsibilities to your society. No issues—marry as you want, but this Almajiri stuff… I’m a northerner, to be honest, I don’t like it. If I have the power, I will fight to stop it.”

[DailyPost]

President Bola Tinubu has addressed world leaders at the ongoing 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

The President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, is hosting the 2024 G20 summit, having held the group’s rotating presidency since December 21, 2023. His tenure ends on November 30.

The summit, with the theme: “Building a just world and a sustainable Planet,” will focus on three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – and the reform of global governance. 

In a post on his verified “X” handle (formerly Twitter, Tinubu said: “In my address to fellow world leaders at the G20 Summit in Brazil, I endorsed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Lula. 

“This bold initiative aligns with my administration’s renewed hope agenda and our commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering sustainable development. 

 

“This Global Alliance unites governments, international organizations, and civil society, to address both immediate needs and structural causes of hunger and poverty. 

“Nigeria is ready to leverage international cooperation to meet Sustainable Development Goals, particularly zero hunger and poverty eradication while improving citizens’ lives. 

“I also emphasised the urgent need for UN Security Council reform to reflect global diversity and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to represent Africa. 

“Furthermore, we must prioritise reforming global taxation for equitable development to bridge the North-South global divide and create a fairer global financial system.”

[TheNation]

Thomas Tuchel is taking over an England side with “all of the tools” to win the 2026 World Cup, says departing interim manager Lee Carsley.

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel begins his new role on January 1 after being given an 18-month
contract by the Football Association.

The German’s primary mission is to win the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 and end England’s long and painful wait for a major trophy.

Carsley, who took over on a temporary basis after Gareth Southgate resigned in July, secured promotion to the top tier of the Nations League with five wins from his six games.
He believes England have the talent to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 after several agonising near misses under Southgate.

 

“We have all of the tools,” he said. “We just need to play them in the (right) order.”

Carsley will hand over to Tuchel after Sunday’s 5-0 send-off against Ireland at Wembley, having given debuts to eight players during his temporary spell in charge.

 

“Thomas’s pool of players has increased, so we’ve left the squad in a fantastic position,” he said.

“We’ll collate our thoughts, along with the rest of the players, in terms of handing over something valuable he can read and look through. Then we’ll step back and support him.”

Carsley, who returns to his role as England Under-21 manager, said the challenge is achieving balance by using the best talent, with fierce competition for places.

“One thing you don’t get with international camps is time, so we just have to find that balance,” he said.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is also upbeat about the future, believing Tuchel could be the man to get the team over the line.

Pickford has been part of the England team that has lost the past two European Championship finals and reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the World Cup.
“There’s definitely new energy, and there’s going to be a lot of competition for places,” he said.

“But that’s what it’s about. You want the best players for England at the right moment, and hopefully, going forward next year, we’ll have that squad ready to win.”

[Vanguard]

Four students of Nigerian descent have been sentenced for their involvement in a violent disorder that took place in Leicester during the early hours of November 4, 2021.

The confrontation, involving knives and a baseball bat, escalated into a large fight on New Park Street, leaving an 18-year-old man with four stab wounds requiring hospital treatment.

After a complex investigation involving CCTV analysis, phone tracking, and public appeals, the suspects were identified and charged.

A six-week trial concluded in October, with the following sentences handed down on November 14.

Destiny Ojo, 21, of Plumstead, London: seven years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH), and GBH with intent.

Habib Lawal, 21, of Bexley, London: five years for violent disorder, attempted GBH, and GBH with intent.
Ridwanulahi Raheem, 21, of Lambeth, London: three years for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

Joshua Davies-Ero, 21, of Bexley, London: two years for violent disorder.

A fifth defendant, Justin Asamoah, 22, of Merton, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and will be sentenced on November 22.

Detective Constable Sean Downey emphasised the severity of the incident, saying: “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who assisted us throughout this investigation. As a force, our priority is to keep the public safe. We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities and will take action against those responsible.”

Vanguard News