The Senate on Thursday asked the Federal Government to deny allocations to local governments where the chairmen were selected by the state governor.

This resolution was adopted after the Senate Minority leader, Sen. Abba Moro, raised concern over what he describes as sham local government elections conducted on Saturday, 5th October 2024, and the abuse of the Constitution.

Moro alleged that in most places, elections took place in the private homes of the chieftains of the ruling party, making the entire process a mere coronation of candidates of the ruling party and not a proper election contemplated under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Across party lines, the co-sponsors unanimously concurred that there was no election in Benue.

In the ensuing debate, other lawmakers further expressed worry over the lack of transparency and fairness in local government elections, citing examples in Rivers, Edo, Oyo, Akwa Ibom etc. in addition to Benue.

The upper chamber also condemned the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission’s blatant disregard for democratic principles in the sham local government elections of Saturday, October 5.

Lawmakers also asked the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections in those place where elections were not held and allow the people to choose the representatives of their choice.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also mooted the idea of a national dialogue with a view to changing the narrative.

He maintained that the sham of LG elections transcends party lines, asserting that the National Assembly is poised to change the situation for the better.

Akpabio also called out the Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, stating that he has no respect for the rule He referred to the Obaseki’s refusal to swear in duly elected members of the state house of assembly for four years despite court orders.

United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said that 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents globally occurred in girls.

Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South West Nigeria disclosed this in a statement to newsmen to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl.

Lafoucriere, who described the theme of this year, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” as apt, noted that it reflected the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which showed that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future.

She opined that the number of adolescent girls (one in four) is almost double the number of boys who are not in any form of education, employment, or training.

She also added that one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years today were married as children, while nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.

The chief of UNICEF’s Field Office for South West Nigeria, however, noted that girls were seen taking action every day to realise the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.

“As you well know, October 11 is a key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, actions, and leadership. The day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.

“My response is that being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become. But right now, that is the reality for millions of girls across the world.

“Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures.

“However, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected,” she said.

Lafoucriere further opined that evidence had shown that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls around the world is limitless.

She stated that when girls achieve their goals, “we all move closer to achieving our global goals.”

On hursday, a bill to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, 2007, and establish the FRSC Special Armed Squad passed a second reading at the House of Representatives.

If passed into law, the bill will allow the officers to carry firearms to perform their duties.

The bill, jointly sponsored by Abiodun Adesida and Olaide Muhammed of the All Progressives Congress Ondo and Oyo states, respectively, was unanimously supported by other lawmakers after a voice vote before being passed for a second reading.

According to the proposed bill, FRSC officers on the rank of deputy corp marshal will enjoy benefits attached to the rank, including retirement benefits.

The bill will also allow the officers to be solely responsible for traffic administration and safety management, preventing and minimising road traffic crashes on roads, supervising road users and regulating traffic.

They will also be empowered to clear obstructions and educate motorists and other members of the public on the proper use of the roads.

In another motion by Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, the House urged the FRSC to adopt technologically assisted enforcement, such as automatic vehicle local and automated traffic enforcement systems, advanced analytics and data platforms, amongst others, to carry out their operations.

The lawmakers adopted the motion and referred it to the House Committee on FRSC.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of gratuities to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2011.

In a statement, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, said the governor has directed the State Pension Bureau to immediately commence the screening and payment of gratuities to pensioners who retired in 2011.

In August 2024, Obaseki approved the payment of gratuities to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2010.

“This is to inform the general public, especially Local Government Pensioners that his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to pensioners who retired in 2011.

“By this directive, the Pension Bureau and 2011 retired Local Government Pensioners should take note,” the commissioner said.

The Defence Headquarters stated on Thursday that it chose not to go after former Niger Delta militant warlord, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, to avoid being accused of acting “undemocratically.”

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, made this remark in Abuja while responding to a recent report about Asari-Dokubo’s alleged threat to shoot down a military helicopter that had reportedly hovered around his residence.

Addressing journalists, the DHQ spokesman described Asari-Dokubo’s threat as laughable, challenging him to confront soldiers on the battlefield if he was bold enough.

Buba said, “Now, the comment by an individual that he can shoot down military helicopters is laughable. And I am about to laugh at that. We are in a democracy, and we are professionals. Of course, we cannot just, based on somebody’s comments, begin to take certain actions. They would accuse the military of being undemocratic.

“The military is not the only security force or department in the country. There are other security agencies that have a constitutional role to play in handling such issues.

“I tell you that he doesn’t have that capability, but I will allow the security forces responsible for such matters to take it up. As for us, come to the battlefield, and we’ll take you out. He should come to the battlefield and see whether we can react or not.”

Buba explained that the military’s focus remained on combating terrorists across various theatres of operations.

He said, “For us, the enemy we fight are the terrorists. Some may choose to call them different names in the different theatres of operations where they exist. In the North-West and North-East, some will say terrorists; some may prefer to call them bandits.

“I tell you, they are all terrorists, and that is what we see. Troops are making significant progress. As I mentioned earlier, we prioritise eliminating terrorist leadership, and we have been doing just that. In the last three quarters, we have taken out over 300 terrorist commanders, not to mention their foot soldiers.

“Our aim is to diminish their fighting capabilities and damage their military capabilities, which we have been successfully doing. As indicated in the brief you received, you can see how many weapons and ammunition we have recovered.”

Buba said a terrorist kingpin in Jigawa State, known as Mai Hijabi, was killed in an operation conducted during the week.

He noted that a total of 165 terrorists were killed, and 238 suspects were arrested.

Buba said, “Our operations have destroyed a substantial part of the combat capacity of these terror groups and their leadership. For instance, one of the notorious terrorist commanders in Jigawa State, known as Mai Hijabi, was eliminated from the battlefield during the week. Troops are, therefore, increasingly making significant strides across all theatres of operations.

“During the week under review, troops neutralised 165 terrorists, arrested 238 persons, and rescued 188 kidnapped victims.”

Buba added that troops also arrested 35 suspected oil thieves in the South-South region and prevented the theft of an estimated sum of N688,125,150.00.

He said, “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats, and 39 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, four speed boats, 13 vehicles, and 65 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO.”

Buba also noted that troops recovered 153 assorted weapons and 2,182 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The breakdown, according to him, includes 81 AK-47 rifles, 23 fabricated rifles, 27 Dane guns, 13 pump-action guns, five locally-made pistols, three revolver pistols, 30 AK-47 magazines, and one bayonet.

Other items recovered are, “1,561 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 278 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 70 rounds of 50mm ammunition, 72 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 87 live cartridges, one Baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 45 mobile phones, and the sum of N64,100.00, among other items.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos will on October 14 decide whether to grant bail to four journalists accused by the police of publishing false information about Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje.

Justice Ayokunle Faji fixed the date after the police prosecutor, Emmanuel Jackson and the defence counsel, O A Afolabi, argued for and against the bail applications filed on behalf of the defendants.

The four men, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi male, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, were arraigned before the court on a two-count charge of cyberstalking and spreading false information by the Police.

The Special Fraud Unit, Milverton of the Lagos State Police Command had told the judge that the defendants, sometime in August 2024 in Lagos, conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony, to wit, cyberstalking and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.). Act 2015 as amended in 2024.

The police had also claimed that the defendants knowingly sent false messages or publications in social media, through a computer or network to the general public as follows: ” EFCC, FRI’s storms GTBanks over Segun Agbaje’s N1 trillion scam” and ” Whistle Blowers expose Segun Agbaje Nepotism, power play, enrich him and sister, Kofo Dosekunni” among other publications to insult the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, Mr Segun Agbaje or to cause criminal intimidation, annoyance, I’ll – will, needless anxiety, injury or hatred to him and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition/prevention, et. c): Ac,2015, an s amended in 2024.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Afolabi urged the court to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms, arguing that the offences they were charged with were bailable.

On his part, Jackson, asked the judge to dismiss the applications because the defendants are a ‘flight risk’ and were likely to tamper with the evidence in the case.

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Faji adjourned to October 14 for ruling, he also ordered that the defendants should remain in custody pending the determination of their bail applications.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has come to the defense of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, amidst rising economic hardship in Nigeria, asserting that he should not bear the blame for the current situation.

This statement comes as Nigerians grapple with escalating prices following the removal of the fuel subsidy, which saw petrol prices surge from ₦198 to ₦1,030 per litre.

During an event at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady emphasized that the Tinubu administration is still in its early stages and should be given time to implement its policies.

She stated that the administration is focused on addressing the nation’s challenges and fostering economic growth.

The fuel subsidy was abolished during President Tinubu’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023, with the President citing the policy as an impediment to Nigeria’s progress.

The decision, however, has sparked widespread criticism and discontent among citizens facing increasing financial strain.

Senator Tinubu was in Ife to inaugurate a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road named after her, which were donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife.

She said, “We are just two years into our administration, we are not the cause of the current situation, we are trying to fix it and secure the future.

“We know that subsidy has been removed but with God on our side in the next two years Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidy before could not see it through. But with your prayers in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future.”

The president’s wife added that her husband is not greedy, thanking God for making him emerge Nigeria’s number one citizen.

“We give glory to God for our status, myself and my husband, we are not greedy but we thank God for what God has done for us. It is not common for rich people to get to this seat but I am grateful to God, we can not disappoint Nigeria and with the help of God, we are getting to the promised land in no distant time,” she said.

The First Lady, who disclosed that she graduated from OAU 41 years ago, donated ₦1 Billion to the university for its development and advancement.

While speaking, the Ooni of Ife lauded the Wife of the President for serving as role model to young ones since her days as First Lady of Lagos State.

The traditional ruler said, “I have been a keen admirer of Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a young man eking out a living in Lagos. One of my major attractions was the New Era Initiative especially as it concerns the One Day Governor in Lagos that is totally detribalised and provided opportunities to young secondary school boys and girls to become Governor in Lagos State. This has been a milestone and major inspiration for the younger ones to aspire and proper.”

The Ondo State Police Command has paraded one Mr Monday Chukwu, a 34-year-old resident of Akintola village in the Odigbo area of the state for allegedly stabbing his friend, Kefa Ofando, to death.

Chukwu was one of the twelve suspects arrested for committing crimes ranging from murder, robbery to arson.

The suspects were paraded before journalists at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure, the state capital by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipo.

In his address to journalist, the CP noted that investigations revealed that late Ofando, aged 30, had borrowed the suspect the sum of two thousand Naira, which, when demanded a few days later, led to an argument during which the suspect stabbed the victim with scissors on his neck and the victim died from injury sustained.

Also among the 12 suspects is a 16-year old secondary school student, Precious Kolawole, who allegedly involved in the killing of a popular Akure based Caterer, Mrs. Adeniyi Iyabode, at her residence along Oda Road in Akure.

Oladipo noted that investigations had earlier led to the arrest of Precious’ accomplice, one 17 year old Philip Emmanuel, who in a voluntary statement, expressed their individual degrees of involvement in the dastardly act.

“The first Suspect, Precious Kolawole, claimed to have heard Mrs. Adeniyi talking about receiving a substantial amount of money through her bank account and, on the heels of this, recruited Philip Emmanuel, the second suspect, to jointly murder the victim gruesomely,” the CP said.

“Clinical investigation revealed knife wounds inflicted by Philip Emmanuel and machete cuts by Precious Kolawole, resulting in the death of the victim. It was also gathered that the victim successfully withdrew the sum of thirty thousand Naira from her account via her ATM card.”

Four persons who are members of a syndicate who specialise in stealing brain box of vehicles in Ondo State were also paraded. The Suspects confessed to the crime, saying that they spend just five minutes to remove any vehicle brain box.

The CP emphasised that, “The Ondo State Police Command in its commitment to tackling crime and maintaining public order, have in the past weeks made significant strides in apprehending suspects involved in serious offences.”

He urged members of the public to always be vigilant in detecting crime and fostering a safer environment for all, adding that the suspects would soon be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unconcerned about the hardship in the country.

The former vice president made this known while reacting to the recent petrol price hike.

Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, adjusted the pump price of fuel from N897 per litre to N1,030 in Abuja, and from N855 to N998 in Lagos.

The increase in fuel had no doubt affected Nigerians as they continued to groan over the economic situation.

In a post via X on Thursday, Atiku stated that the haphazard approach of the administration of President Tinubu to fuel subsidy management is the reason for the economic crisis in the country.

Atiku noted that Tinubu’s silence to the current challenge in the country is worrisome.

He said, “The haphazard and disingenuous approach of the current administration to fuel subsidy management has been the reason we are in this current economic crisis in the country.

“As things stand, there will be no let up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerians. It is even more worrying that T-pain is undisturbed by the hardship in the country.”

 T-pain is a play on the first letter of the president’s last name which is currently trending on social media, presumably with inspiration from American rapper Faheem Najm, who goes by the stage name T-Pain.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved ₦10 million compensation to the families of five officers who lost their lives in a road accident.

The officers were returning from the Edo governorship election in September when the mishap occurred at Karfi town, Kura LGA of Kano State.

Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying eight of the injured officers had been discharged, while three remain in hospital.

“In response to this tragic event, the Inspector General of Police has taken decisive actions to provide support to those affected, by approving the compensatory payment of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) to the families of the deceased,” the statement reads.

Adejobi said Egbetokun also approved the immediate payment of N2 million each to those still in hospital, and N500,000 to those who had been discharged.

“He acknowledged their profound loss and providing assistance as they navigate this challenging period.

“The IGP has also approved the payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) to those still receiving treatment, ensuring they receive the necessary medical support as they recuperate, and the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to those who have been discharged after treatment.”

The IGP reiterated the force’s commitment to supporting officers and their families.

See the full statement below:

PERSONNEL WELFARE: IGP APPROVES COMPENSATORY PAYMENT TO OFFICERS INVOLVED IN KANO ACCIDENT, REASSURES PAYMENTS OF OTHER BENEFITS.

As IGP Reaffirms Dedication to Personnel Well-being.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD., NPM., has approved the immediate payment of relief funds to the families of officers that were involved in a fatal motor accident on 24th September 2024 while returning from the Edo Elections Special Duty to Kano State Command.

The accident which occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway, Karfi Kura, had resulted in the loss of 5 officers, with 11 hospitalised after the accident. 8 individuals have been successfully discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention, while 3 others are still undergoing treatment.

In response to this tragic event, the Inspector General of Police has taken decisive actions to provide support to those affected, by approving the compensatory payment of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) to the families of the deceased, acknowledging their profound loss and providing assistance as they navigate this challenging period. The IGP has also approved the payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) to those still receiving treatment ensuring they receive the necessary medical support as they recuperate and the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to those who have been discharged after treatment.

The IGP reaffirms the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to supporting officers and men of the Force and their families during trying times. The IGP once again expresses his deepest condolences to all the families of the deceased and prays for the quick recovery of those still receiving medical care.

 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,