Lifestyle, Politics

Insecurity: The worst is over. Nigeria is safe – Lai Mohammed

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Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said that Nigeria is ‘safer today than at any time in recent times,’ as the worst is over as far as insecurity is concerned.

The Minister said this when he spoke at a Ministerial Session at the ongoing UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week.

According to him, the military and other security agencies are up to the task of protecting Nigerians and non-citizens.

“I can assure all that our military and other security agencies have continued to do everything possible to secure and protect Nigerians and foreigners living in Nigeria.

Terrorists have been hard hit and put on the run. Bandits have been decimated and scattered. Our country is safer today than at any time in recent times, thanks to the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

Nigerians too should continue to be alert but must not panic. Like I said in a recent statement, as far as insecurity is concerned, the worst is over for Nigeria.”

Mohammed also said some media outlets and social media personalities, spread unverified information on their platforms just for ‘clickbait.’

“Talking of clickbait, this may be what informed the spread of the supposed security alert issued recently by some foreign embassies in Nigeria.”

One would imagine that if indeed this kind of security alert was issued, it was for the attention of citizens of the issuing countries in Nigeria.

Suddenly, this alert found its way into the media, both new and traditional, thus creating panic in the polity.

Schools were shut, businesses were closed, travel plans were altered, lives were disrupted. No one cared to find out about the authenticity of these alerts.

They just published, got the benefit of massive clickbait and damned the consequences.”he said

Politics

Rishi Sunak officially becomes UK PM after meeting King Charles

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Rishi Sunak officially becomes UK PM after meeting King CharlesRishi Sunak on Tuesday, October 25, became the UK’s prime minister following a meeting with King Charles III.

The tradition sees the monarch invite the leader of the party with the highest number of MPs to form a government, which since the 2019 general election has been the Conservatives. In a speech outside 10 Downing Street after the meeting, Sunak said:

“Our country is facing a profound economic crisis. The aftermath of Covid still lingers, Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilized energy markets and supply chains the world over.”

He paid tribute to his predecessor Liz Truss, who he said was “not wrong” to want to improve U.K. growth. He said, “some mistakes were made,” not “borne of ill will or bad intentions” but “mistakes nonetheless” and he had been elected “in part to fix them.”

He added:

“I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of the government’s agenda. This will mean difficult decisions to come. But you saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and businesses with schemes like furlough.

There are always limits, more so than ever, but I promise you this. I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today.”

Sunak is now expected to begin appointing new cabinet figures in yet another reshuffle at the top of British politics.

He was elected party leader by fellow Conservative lawmakers on Monday, October 24, following the resignation of Truss on Thursday, October 20.

Sunak is the third prime minister the UK will have in one year.

Politics

President Buhari gives Water Minister 90 days to produce flood prevention plan

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President Muhammadu Buhari has given the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, 90 days to develop a comprehensive plan of action for the prevention of flood disaster in Nigeria.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu said Buhari gave the directive in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari.

Buhari ordered the minister to coordinate with the ministries of environment and transportation as well as state governments to develop the plan.

It was also disclosed that Buhari is “regularly receiving updates on the flooding situation in the country and restates his commitment towards addressing the challenges caused by the disaster in the country”.

Politics

Nigeria will break up if APC wins 2023 presidential election – Obaseki

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has said that Nigeria will break up if the All Progressive Congress (APC) wins the 2023 presidential election.

Obaseki who spoke during the swearing-in of members of the Edo state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council management committee on Monday, October 25, said that ‘nobody has done the kind of damage the APC administration has done to this country.’

He said;

“I believe that this will be an easy election for us if we campaign right. Our heads should be examined as citizens of Nigeria if we even contemplate voting for a government like APC. God forbid APC comes into power; this country will break up; this country will fail. It has already failed.

“Nobody has done the kind of damage the APC administration has done to this country. I don’t know how we’ll recover. They have destroyed the basis of this country.

“By the grace of God, our candidate will win. We’ll bring back Nigeria; we’ll unify this country. We’ll reduce the differences we have and we’ll begin to build our country to what God says it should be.”

Politics

Wike accuses Atiku of disrespecting him and campaigning with enemies of Rivers state

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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has accused the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar of disrespecting and sidelining him.

Speaking during the inauguration of the PDP campaign council and launch of the party’s governorship campaign office in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Wike said Atiku selected “enemies” of Rivers into his campaign council for the 2023 general elections.

He also said that photos of Atiku and those of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, have been missing from the state’s PDP campaign materials because they don’t want him to campaign for the party at the national level.

Wike said;

“Some people have asked me why they haven’t seen the presidential candidate’s picture and the party chairman’s. I said what are you talking about? The presidential candidate entered my state and picked members of the presidential council without a whole governor of a state having a contribution.

“The presidential candidate entered Rivers State and picked those he wants to pick without my contribution. So, they said they don’t need me to campaign for them, that they don’t need Rivers people to campaign for them. Will you force yourself?

“I have never seen how people will disrespect a state like Rivers State and go and choose those who are enemies of the state without our contributions.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Appeal Court reserves judgment in FG’s stay-of-execution request in Nnamdi Kanu’s case

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in an application by the Federal Government seeking a stay of execution of the court’s judgment that ordered the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The federal government had in the application alleged that Kanu constituted a huge threat to national security and must be kept in detention for peace in the country.

It was also alleged that Kanu was a flight risk and would escape out of the country if the judgment which ordered his release was not stayed.

Justice Haruna Tsanami who presided over the application on Monday October 24, said a date for delivery of judgment would be communicated to the parties when ready.

Politics

Court declares Otu APC governorship candidate in Cross River

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Bassey Otu was on Monday, October 24, declared the authentic governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State for the forthcoming 2023 election, by a Federal High Court in Calabar.

Ruling on the lawsuit filed by Owan Enoh challenging Otu’s candidacy, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu held that it remains the right of political parties to determine their governorship candidate.

Enoh also added “that a candidate contesting for the position of governor must be a Nigerian, meet the stipulated age requirement and have basic qualification according to the constitution.”

Politics, World News

Boris Johnson drops out of UK Prime Minister race

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Former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson has ruled himself out of returning to the job.

This week speculations of Johnson’s impending move to replace Liz Truss intensified after she resigned following just 45 days in office.

Truss had replaced Johnson who was forced out of office in July following a series of scandals.

In the wake of Truss’ resignation, Johnson had reportedly undertaken consultations to see if he has support to return, meaning he would need to secure 100 nominations from Conservative lawmakers.

Despite some Conservative lawmakers publicly expressing their support for the former prime minister, Johnson in a statement on Sunday, October 23 withdrew his interest, saying he has enough support but has decided it is not the right thing to do.

“In the last few days I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who suggested that I should once again contest the Conservative Party leadership, both among the public and among friends and colleagues in parliament.

I have been attracted because I led our party into a massive election victory less than three years ago – and I believe I am therefore uniquely placed to avert a general election now,” the statement reads.

“A general election would be a further disastrous distraction just when the government must focus on the economic pressures faced by families across the country.

I believe I am well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024 – and tonight I can confirm that I have cleared the very high hurdle of 102 nominations, including a proposer and a seconder, and I could put my nomination in tomorrow.

“There is a very good chance that I would be successful in the election with Conservative Party members – and that I could indeed be back in Downing Street on Friday.

But in the course of the last days, I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would simply not be the right thing to do. You can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in parliament.

“And though I have reached out to both Rishi (Sunak) and Penny (Mordaunt) – because I hoped that we could come together in the national interest – we have sadly not been able to work out a way of doing this.

Therefore I am afraid the best thing is that I do not allow my nomination to go forward and commit my support to whoever succeeds. I believe I have much to offer but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time.”

Johnson’s withdrawal leaves the race open to Sunak, former finance minister, and Mordaunt, leader of the House of Commons.

Lifestyle, Politics

APC women leader st@bbed by her ‘neighbor’ in Osun

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The woman leader of the All Progressives Congress in ward 3, Ilesha West local government area of Osun State, Morufat Balogun, has been scarred after she was allegedly stabbed by one Sope Fadiora on Thursday evening, October 21.

According to reports, the duo ran their businesses in their shops that are not too far from each other.

On Thursday night, they got into an argument and in the process, Sope allegedly stabbed Balogun in the face with a broken bottle, leaving her with a deep cut on her face that was gushing out a lot of blood.

Balogun was immediately rushed to the hospital where she was placed on admission. C

onfirming the incident to LIB, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Yemisi Opalola said

”It was a case of two-fighting. Their shops are close to each other. They were fighting over God knows what.

The other woman attacked her by stabbing her with something while the APC woman leader also bit the other woman in two places with her teeth”

SP Opalola dismissed claims it had any political undertone. She said both women will be charged to court on Monday, October 24.

Politics, World News

APC never sought for I and my wife’s consent before adding us to its Presidential Campaign Council – CAN member

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A member of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam has said that the All Progressives Congress never sought his consent and that of his wife, Prof.

Funmi Para-Mallam, before including their names in its Presidential Campaign Council list.

Para-Mallam in a statement he released, stated that he and his wife are not card-carrying members of any political party in the country.

He added that he also respects CAN’s stance on the Muslim-Muslim ticket being flown by the APC.

The statement read;

“My attention has been drawn to a list in circulation which indicates that I (or my wife – Prof. (Funmi) Para-Mallam) have been nominated to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council.

Neither of us is aware of this nomination and our consent was not sorted.“Nigeria is a great country; our present setbacks notwithstanding.

But I believe that Nigeria will be great again. I love this country. I am not a partisan politician. I am a clergyman and a social justice peace advocate. I am non-partisan. I am also not a card-carrying member of any political party in Nigeria today (not that it would be wrong, but I am not at moment).

“Besides, CAN has taken a position against any Muslim-Muslim ticket and any Christian-Christian ticket. I respect that decision. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country.

This contextual reality needs to show in the way our political parties play their politics through fair internal party politics.

“Accepting to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council will negate this fundamental reality of what we are as a multi-religious country. Politics of inclusiveness should override politics of exclusion not just in 2023 but beyond.

“I, therefore, wish to distance myself from membership of any campaign team of any political party in the forthcoming 2023 elections. I have some respected and close friends in all the major political parties.

I will continue to work to promote political harmony and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. May God give Nigeria peaceful 2023 elections.

“God bless Nigeria and guide both the parties and Nigerians as the campaign season commences.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Buhari confers Public Service awards on Jonathan, Wike and others

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday October 21, conferred Public Service awards on 44 distinguished individuals, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Others conferred with various categories of honours in recognition of their public service contributions at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) are Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and 16 Governors, including Rivers’ Nyesom Wike.

This maiden award in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation recognises and rewards innovation, leadership, and other exceptional achievements of individuals that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of public service and the country at large.

To be eligible, the recipient must be a living Public Official or a private a citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.

Lifestyle, Politics

Kogi receives first derivation allocation as oil producing state

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Kogi government has received the state’s first derivation allocation as an oil-producing state.

Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information in the state made the announcement after the state executive council meeting on Thursday, October 20.

He also said that Governor Yahaya Bello reiterated his promise to ensure that the resources of the state are put to good use.

Fanwo said;

“It’s on record that this administration has recorded many giant strides in various sectors covering the thematic areas of our governor’s New Direction Blueprint.

“This new breakthrough in the derivation allocation will no doubt make us do more for our people.

“On breaking the news, our governor said he was so elated to announce to the good people of Kogi state that the administration has received our first derivation allocation as an oil producing state.

“This announcement is in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, for which we have received many awards.

“We worked hard to make this history. But we wouldn’t have achieved it without the support of our people, who stood resolutely with us to make this see the light of the day.

“We also wish to express our gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership roles as well as the RMAFC for making this a reality.

“We will build more schools, hospitals and construct more roads. We will empower our youth and women. Under my watch, we will ensure security.”

Politics

CAN President distances himself from APC Presidential Campaign Council list

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President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has distanced himself from a revised list of members of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 President Campaign Council.

The CAN President who was reacting to names of some outgoing officials of the Christian body being featured on the list, stated that CAN is known for its stance on non-partisanship.

Okoh also said that the Christian body will launch an investigation into the matter.

The statement read;

1. My attention as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to the revised list of ntmembers of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 President Campaign Council wherein the names of some outgoing officials of the body were featured.

2. Such a development is worrisome because it counters the well-known stance of CAN on partisanship.

3. I want to categorically exonerate my humble self from this development and any of such that may occur in the future.

4. I want to use this medium to assure all Christians in Nigeria and the general public that since I received the news, I have commenced full investigation into how the officials got involved into overt partisanship.

5. At the end of the probe, CAN will take fair, but decisive and appropriate action with a view to defending the ideals of the umbrella Christian body I lead by the grace of the Almighty God.

6. On a final note, I urge the general public to be calm while we collectively work to entrench a culture of inclusion and respect for our religious diversities in our political leadership.

Signed:Archbishop Daniel Okoh

President,Christian Association of Nigeria

Lifestyle, Politics

Ebonyi Permanent Secretary and Governor’s aide suspended over missing diesel

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The Permanent Secretary of Ebonyi state’s Ministry of Power and Energy, Mr Godwin Nwankwo, has been suspended alongside the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities, Mr Emmanuel Nwangbo, over alleged persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji who disclosed this at the end of the state’s Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, added that the state’s Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules.

Orji said;

“The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry.

“The council also received a report of the persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights.

“Member, therefore, resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.

“The state’s Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules.”

Politics

Ninth senate has been the most productive since 1999 – Lawan

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President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has said that the senate under him has been the most productive.

Speaking at the just concluded 3rd Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the State House, Abuja, Lawan said the prevailing harmonious relationship between the arms of government made the ninth National Assembly the most productive since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

He further revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari had so far signed into law 84 bills passed by the ninth Assembly, the largest by any Nigerian President.

Lawan said;

“The three arms of government are separate but interdependent, and the ultimate goal of each is to deliver good governance and meet the aspirations of all Nigerians.

“Many Nigerians have come to construe harmonious executive-legislative relations as a sign of weakness or subservience to the executive.

“Nothing can be further from the truth than this misperception, which we must painstakingly work to correct.

“It is not uncommon for some to view the three arms of government as occupying separate and identifiable domains of power and responsibility, with little opportunity or need for interaction.

“However, this kind of dualism is not only untenable but damaging. It is now widely recognised that good national governance depends on core state institutions working cooperatively.

“A constructive relationship between the three arms of government, i.e., legislature, the executive and the judiciary, is essential to effectively maintaining the constitution and promoting the rule of law.

“Timely consultations between all stakeholders can play a significant role in avoiding gridlocks, improving understanding and delivering development to the people on whose behalf we govern.

“The legislature is constituted by the people’s direct representatives and is responsible for reflecting the voices of ordinary Nigerians.

“This cannot be achieved through unnecessary grandstanding, conflict and war of egos. As the cliché rightly states, ‘where two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers’.

“As one of the longest-serving legislators in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, I am well aware of the dangers of adopting a confrontational approach to governance issues.

“A lot of energy and resources (time and money) are dissipated over inconsequential issues rather than on dealing with substantive and livelihood-based issues that confront the average Nigerian.

“At the beginning of the 9th Assembly, we took a deliberate position to collaborate with the executive to ensure that the cardinal objective of government (welfare and security of citizens) is met.

“Hence, despite the media bashing and name-calling, I am proud to say that this National Assembly has been the most productive since 1999.

“The achievements recorded are mainly due to a harmonious executive relation and heightened engagement with the executive on proposed policies and laws long before they are formally presented to Assembly for legislative action.

“This strategy has enabled us to surmount many of the traditional obstacles and bottlenecks that confronted previous Assemblies.

“The synergy between the legislature and the executive has resulted in reforming our budgetary process to entrench transparency and accountability, professionalism, greater citizen participation, and strict guidelines and timelines (January-December).

“In addition, we worked with President Muhammadu Buhari to support the establishment of the Executive, Legislative, and Party Consultative Forum headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to promote harmony in governance towards enhancing service delivery to the Nigerian people.

“In the last few years, the National Assembly provided legislative support and approval towards the realisation of this administration’s unwavering commitment to improving security, transforming the nation’s economy and modernising infrastructure, specifically, railway system, roads and power, across the length and breadth of this country.

“The results of our collaboration are clear for all to see. President Muhammadu Buhari has granted assent to eighty four(84) bills so far, the largest by any Nigerian president.

“Many of the Acts enacted have immediate and long-term impacts on all aspects of our national life, including the economy, security, and democratic institutions.

“These include the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, Electoral Act 2022, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

“Other impactful legislations are the Finance Act, 2020, Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020; Police Act, 2020; and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (Amendment) Act 2019, etc.

“The impact of the enactment of these landmark legislations will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Indeed, a clear benefit of harmonious legislative-executive relations is the successes recorded by the 9th Assembly in passing laws that have consistently failed to scale through since 1999.

“Other areas of achievements that are hinged on effective collaboration with the executive include the adoption of legislative measures to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians, mitigate its consequences, limit its spread and improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s health system to cope with the unprecedented challenges occasioned by the pandemic.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Nigerian politician recounts how snakes stopped visiting him after he lost the House of Reps primaries

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A Nigerian politician who contested in the just concluded political primaries in the country, has recounted how he used to be visited by snakes before losing the House of Reps primary election he contested in.

Olumbe Akinkugbe who contested in the All Progressives Congress House of Reps primary election for Ondo East and West federal constituency, said this was a strange incident as it stopped after he lost the election.

He tweeted;

Not a superstitious person but somehow strange that the weekly snake visit’s to my house since I lost the HOR primaries have stopped

Strange I’ve been in this house 4 rainy seasons no cockroach. But as i said I’m not superstitious

Politics

Second Niger Bridge completed – Babatunde Fashola

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Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, has announced the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, October 19, in Abuja at the unveiling of President Muhammadu Buhari’s scorecard series (2015-2023).

However, he said connecting roads to the bridge are still under construction. Fashola said:

“I can confirm that the second Niger bridge itself is finished. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded.

What remains is the four-kilometer interchange road at the Asaba end and 2km out of a 7km link road at the Onitsha end.

“Right now, our dredger is in place, we have to rebuild the road by reclaiming sand, the recent surge of flood has slowed us down.

On the Onitsha side, there is a 7 kilometer road that links the bridge and the Onitsha-Owerri interchange.”

Fashola added: “The first thing we did when we came into power was we expanded our budget on road infrastructure, sought alternative sources of funding through SUKUK, Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.”

Politics

The Federal Government says N3.36tn has been allocated for fuel subsidy in 2023 as Nigeria’s debt profile hits $102bn

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The federal government says N3.36 trillion has been allocated for fuel subsidy in the first half of 2023.

Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, made this known on Wednesday, October 19, in Abuja.

Ahmed said the 2023 budget proposal has a deficit of N10.78 trillion. She said the deficit will be funded through domestic and multilateral borrowings and proceeds from privatisation.

According to her, of Nigeria’s $102bn debt, 35% is foreign and 65% is domestic, adding that the current public debt is at 23% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The minister also said the 2023 budget also factored in 17.16% inflation. According to her, the draft 2023 budget has been prepared on the background of international challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic, adding that revenue generation has been a major challenge to national development in the country.

On allocations for critical sectors, Ahmed said the sum of N2.05 triliion was allocated to education and N1.58 trillion for health. She added that N2.74 trillion was earmarked for defense and security, infrastructure got N998.9 billion, while social development and poverty reduction has N756 billion.

Meanwhile, Ahmed had said the federal government will halt spending on petrol subsidy in June 2023.

Lifestyle, Politics

80 suspects including women arrested for helping bandits – Zamfara govt

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80 suspects have been arrested by the Zamfara State Government for aiding bandits.

The suspects, including women, were informants, and suppliers of food, drug, military camouflage and police uniforms to bandits.

They were taken into custody for alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping for ransom and illegal possession of firearms.

Abdullahi Shinkafi, Chairman, Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related Offences, addressed the media on Tuesday, October 18.

Shinkafi disclosed that security agencies were investigating their level of participation in criminal activities.

Shikari said that the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping was due to the bombardment of camps by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The chairman said a number of the outlaws were neutralised or dislodged from their hideouts.

He confirmed that insecurity was part of the reasons the government suspended political rallies and campaigns.

Lifestyle, Politics

Police confirm arrest of Labour Party senatorial candidate who is Governor Umahi’s opponent

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Ebonyi state police command has said that Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Linus Okorie is in its custody.

It was reported earlier that the two-term House of Representative candidate who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, was taken away by “gunmen” on Sunday morning.

Ebonyi police command spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu who confirmed that Linus who is Governor David Umahi’s opponent in 2023 senatorial election was arrested by Ebubeagu Security operatives and taken to Old Government House Abakaliki, debunked reports that he was abducted.

He said the Police upon hearing reports that Linus was abducted, swung into action and later traced him to the head office of the Ebubeagu Security Outfit at the Old Government House, Abakaliki.

Anyanwu revealed that Okorie was arrested for inciting violence in the State, falsely accusing Governor David Umahi and alleged involvement in drug related offences.

He said;

“Police detectives were briefed on why he was arrested which include his activities and utterances that incited and provoked the violence that engulfed Onicha LGA which led to suspected IPOB/ESN operatives or unknown gunmen to unleash mayhem in the area, leaving seven (7) persons dead at the end of that fracas.

“Hence, the case has now been taken over by the Police Command for a scrupulous investigation.”

Anyanwu also alleged Okorie was severally invited by the Security and Intelligence Bureau of the Command over a petition dated 23/3/2022 by the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, alleging that he was spreading fake news against Umahi.

In the petition, Okorie allegedly accused the Governor of illegally withdrawing N6.7 billion from State Government’s Account to fund the Appeal Court Judgment against his removal from office, etc.

The police spokesperson added;

“Similar to the above is another series of false allegations against the Government of Ebonyi State and the Police Command in his social media handles.

“When invited by the SIB over the false allegations/petition,Honourable Linus Abaa Okorie in his characteristic pompous manner refused vehemently to report to the SIB for a chat. Rather he chose to file fallacious suits against the Police Command.

“It is also pertinent to mention that Honourable Linus Abaa Okorie also have a pending case in which he is implicated in a drug-related offence where the suspects purported to be his agents were arrested for Hard drug sales and use at his City Hub Inn, Mile 50, Abakaliki. Case was later transfered to the NDLEA for further necessary actions.

“Ebubeagu is a lawfully established local security outfit by the House of Assembly and Government of Ebonyi State. If the outfit as empowered by the State Law, arrests anybody, it shouldn’t be interpreted as abduction or kidnapping because those terms mean different things.

“However, it is expected that the outfit after effecting such arrest, should hand over the matter to the Police for further investigation and other necessary actions which has played out in this instance”.

“In view of the above, Dr David Ogbonna of Hon Linus Okorie CaringHeart Foundation is warned to henceforth know the implication of wrong choice of words when next dishing out information for public consumption otherwise he will face the dire consequences as enshrined in the laws of the land.”

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