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The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has reiterated that his ambition is not backed by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Recall that on January 17, the former Chairman of Sterling Bank officially declared his intention to contest in the Edo State Governorship Election.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, Ighodalo said he is independent and not backed by the governor.
The PDP chieftain asserted that Obaseki could not compel him to do it as his third-term project because the governor had not informed him of any such plan.
He said: “Yes, I have indeed known Governor Godwin Obaseki for a long time, we are friends I met him at university. He’s an investment banker and I’m a lawyer, we have worked on the same sides or opposite sides of big corporate transactions.
“However, I’m not sure that if Gov. Obaseki is looking for a third term he will come to me. I’m fully independent, and I don’t see any way he can dangle me at the end of a rope. I’m loyal to the people of Edo State.”
Naija News reports that Ighodalo hails from Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo Central District, an area that Governor Obaseki wants power to shift to.
• For 30 alterations, NASS expends N24.8b in 24 years
• Lawmakers set for fresh rejig, as state police, VAT, electoral reforms top agenda
The National Assembly is set for a fresh amendment to the constitution – an exercise that has routinely cost the country an average of N1 billion yearly.
The Guardian findings showed that the review has been consistent in the last 24 years, with at least 30 alterations made to the 1999 Constitution and at the cumulative cost of N24.85 billion.
And in line with the tradition, both the Senate and House of Representatives will next week resume further amendments to the Constitution, with emphasis on State police, Value Added Tax (VAT), and electoral reforms.
The urgency of another amendment is not unconnected with the issue of VAT collection that has been generating a legal battle between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and some state governments.
Specifically, Rivers and Lagos state governments had enacted laws and called for decentralisation of collection, while some states pushed for centralised pool. The case is still pending at the Supreme Court.
The two chambers would inaugurate separate committees to be led by deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau and the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, when they resume legislative activities from their three weeks Christmas and end of the year recess.
Although efforts to commence amendment to the 1999 Constitution began in the 4th National Assembly (1999 to 2003), actual exercise began in the 5th National Assembly (2003 to 2007) led by the then deputy president of the Senate, late Ibrahim Mantu. It was marred by reports of a third term agenda by the then administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
To date, every tenure of the National Assembly has initiated a fresh constitution amendment project for which some N4 billion is approved, to be appropriated and released based on N1 billion per year. This is in addition to some extra funds released to the committee for unforeseen expenditure.
Concerned lawyers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and statesmen have argued that the perennial exercise of alterations to the constitution had amounted to mere waste of resources since the National Assembly had failed to achieve comprehensive review.
Issues such as rejig of the nation’s security architecture in the form of creation of state police, restructuring the Nigerian State and resource control agitations, are among several demands, which the 24-year-old constitution amendment exercise has not been able to resolve to the satisfaction of all.
Immediate past deputy president of the Senate, Victor Ovie Omo-Agege, who was also the chairman of the Senate’s committee on constitution review at the last Assembly, had at the peak of his committee’s frustration blamed the failure on governors whom, he claimed, had refused to allow the state Houses of Assembly to endorse the 44 bills sent to them.
The failure was later confirmed by the then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, when they pleaded with the then Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to persuade his colleagues to allow Houses of Assembly endorse the proposed alterations.
But the state Houses of Assembly rejected allegations of frustrating the Constitution review and accused the leadership of the National Assembly of resorting to blackmail, after failing to carry them along on key issues for amendments.
Speaking through the Conference of State Assembly Speakers, the Houses said the National Assembly rejected the state police option, which they canvassed.
To successfully alter any section of the Constitution, at least 24 of the 36 Houses of Assembly must approve the bill to that effect with two-thirds majority.
The new constitution review committees, according to findings, will address previous failures of the National Assembly by revisiting such issues as independent candidate to contest for an elective office; creation of state police; federal structure and power devolution; fiscal federalism and revenue allocation; judicial and electoral reforms; immunity for presiding officers of National and State Assemblies; full local government fiscal autonomy; state creation agitations, among others.
The new constitution review committees will also face the challenge of revisiting the age-long quests to separate the office of the Attorney General of the federation/state from the office of minister/commissioner for justice; change in procedure for the enactment of an entirely new constitution, which includes referendum; inclusion of basic education and primary healthcare in fundamental and justiciable human rights.
Other issues requiring attention are the inclusion of electoral offences as a ground to disqualify candidates from future elections; mandatory presentation of the yearly state of the nation address to a joint session of the National Assembly by the president; and removal of presidential assent to constitution amendment bills.
Lamenting the failure to achieve meaningful amendments to the constitution, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has said that corruption and related problems are getting worse because of failure to remove and alter impediments in the Constitution against anti-corruption fight.
HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, had said that “Corruption is Nigeria’s issue and the root of the country’s problem. We are in dire need of a constitutional review. A lot of the things happening are because there are lacunas in the Constitution.
“All agencies are hindered by one thing or the other in that constitution. There are not enough provisions in the constitution to, at least, help to reduce corruption. It’s so unfortunate that those who have been saddled with the power to help make this happen are using such power to aid corruption rather than abate it.”
Arigbabu further lamented: “Some of the people whose corrupt cases were reported in the past have found their way into high offices in the country. Some have become governors, some have been appointed in high places, and these often happen because Nigerians tend to forget.”
Also reacting, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) believes that the disagreement between the National Assembly and State Assemblies on some areas of the amendments arose from failure of the National Assembly to display responsive leadership.
It tasked Nigerians to demand that the National Assembly deliver on its assignment and give Nigeria an altered constitution for which billions of taxpayer’s money has been sunk.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, explained that the discord showed the lack of seamless dialogue and partnership between the National Assembly and the State Assemblies.
“If the leadership of the National Assembly has been very effective and efficient over the last four years, it would have been so easy for both sets of legislators to have a meeting point and hammer out their differences.”
However, past constitution amendment exercises succeeded in some issues, which included the financial autonomy of the National Assembly, which gave it the power to draw its funds directly from the federation account, otherwise known as the first-line charge.
Sections 145 and 190 were amended successfully to compel the president/governor to transmit a letter to the National Assembly/State Assembly to enable their deputies to act whenever they proceed on vacation or are unable to discharge their functions.
Another amendment was the one that enables a person sworn in as president or governor to complete the term of an elected president or governor but disqualifies the same person from election to the same office for more than one more term.
Sections 135 and 180 of the constitution were amended to straighten the remaining term of office of a president/governor who won a rerun election to include the period already spent in office.
Amendments to sections 81, 84, and 160 of the constitution were also made to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) financially and administratively independent.
Section 156 of the constitution was amended to remove membership of a political party as a qualification for appointment into INEC, thereby insulating members from partisan politics.
Other successful amendments were effected to section 285 (5) to (8) to set time limits for the filing, hearing and disposal of election petitions to quicken justice, and sections 76, 116, 132, and 178 to provide for a wider timeframe for the conduct of elections.
There were also alterations to section 285 and the Sixth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution to reduce the composition of tribunals to a chairman and two members and the quorum to just a chairman and a member were also successfully done.
Other amendments included those on sections 66(h), 137(i), and 182(i) to delete the disqualification of persons indicted by an administrative panel from standing for election.
The stipulation of timeframes for filing, adjudication and disposal of pre-election lawsuits in order to quicken justice was also amended, and the reduction of age qualification for political offices (Not Too Young to Run Bill).
Also, amendments to sections 134, 179 and 225 of the constitution were made to extend from seven to 21 days the period within which INEC shall conduct a run-off election between the two leading presidential/gubernatorial candidates.
Sections 6, 84, 240, 243, 287, 289, 292, 294, 295, 216, 318, the Third Schedule and Seventh Schedule to the constitution were amended and a new section 254 inserted to make the National Industrial Court a court of superior record and equal in status to the Federal High Court.
Very recently, before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, other constitution alterations were effected including state assembly, judiciary independence amendments.
Other alterations approved by the president are the removal of the railway, prison and electricity from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list.
Others are the alteration to regulate the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for related matters; the alteration to delete the reference to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act; and for related matters.
Also approved is the amendment to exclude the period of intervening events in the computation of time for determining pre-election petitions, election petitions and appeals; and for related matters; alteration to provide for the post-call qualification of the Secretary of the National Judicial Council; and for related matters.
The amendment to delete the item “prisons” in the Exclusive Legislative List and redesignate it as “Correctional Services” in the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters was also achieved. Another amendment to move the item “railways” from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters was successful too.
The constitution was also amended to allow states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters.
Also approved is the alteration to require the President and Governors to submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within sixty days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly; and for related matters.
Another alteration was done to require the government to direct its policy towards ensuring the right to food and food security in Nigeria; and for related matters.
[Leadership]
Nigerians have reiterated the importance of an accurate census in the country, saying the correct figures will help the country in planning for the citizens.
They noted that Nigeria could rank third largest in the world by 2050, after China and India, according to a United Nations forecast made in 2022.
Census was last conducted in Nigeria in 2006 and it has become imperative after almost two decades. Under administration of president Mohammed Buhari almost 90% preparation were for the conduct of Census and Housing Population in 2023 but shortly, the new administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put it on hold.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Aerga Godwin, a graduate of Mass Communication said that a reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census’’ will help government in planning purpose for development, especially in bolstering the social security programme that targets more vulnerable Nigerians.
He said, “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last census conducted in 2006 has been rendered out of date for planning purposes. It has therefore become imperative for the nation to conduct another national census to produce a new set of demographic and socio-economic data that will provide the basis for national planning and sustainable development.
“Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development. People are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the national population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes. This, therefore, makes the conduct of census an essential governance activity.
“With a projected population of 216,783,381, Nigeria is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country on the African continent. Due to the rapidly growing nature of the population and large proportion of the youthful population, Nigeria is also projected to be the third most populous country in the World by the year 2050 after India and China.’’
Jemilu Mohammed, a resident of Kuje, Abuja said that the irregular and long interval of census taking in Nigeria has denied the nation the huge benefits of comprehensive baseline data for evidence-based decision-making.
[Leadership]
A woman simply identified as Zainab was delivered of a baby boy in the open in Mangu town of Plateau State as killings and destruction of properties continued unabated late into the night of Tuesday and yesterday, Daily Trust reports.
This is coming as some of the victims of the fresh violence that broke out in Mangu Local Government Area of the state continued to narrate their harrowing tales.
Also, leaders of Christian and Islamic religious groups are accusing the military and a vigilante group called Operation Rainbow of taking sides in the conflict.
It was gathered that the fresh attacks, which started early on Tuesday left many people dead, according to local sources.
Although security sources could not give official confirmation of the death toll, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) said it lost 13 of its members while the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) put the death toll of its members at 30.
Efforts to verify these claims were unsuccessful as the Nigeria Red Cross officials said they were focusing greater attention to providing humanitarian relief than counting dead bodies.
The attacks, it was gathered, continued on Wednesday morning despite the 24-hour curfew imposed on Tuesday by the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
‘My baby dropped on the street’
Zainab, who was heavily pregnant when the killings started, narrated how she was frightened by the deafening sounds of guns and the sight of people being killed, only to suddenly feel a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.
The 25-year-old mother of two said out of shock, her baby slipped out of her while she was standing in the open, oblivious of what to do.
“When I noticed that the baby was coming out, I knelt immediately to ensure the baby was safely delivered.
“There was no medical assistance, sterilized equipment, or conducive atmosphere. It was a neighbour who stopped to assist me as everyone else fled,” she said.
According to her, “There was no hospital nearby. Even right now, we couldn’t take the baby to hospital due to the curfew and my stomach has been hurting badly.
“Right now (Wednesday afternoon) there are gunshots everywhere and as for the baby, we haven’t even bathed him since we can’t even get hot water. I also haven’t taken hot water myself,” she narrated to one of our reporters via a phone call.
“As for my other children, I don’t know where they are; I don’t even know where my husband is,” she added. Shafa’atu, the only neighbour who stood back to help deliver Zainab’s baby also shared her version of the story with Daily Trust.
“It was in the process of running with the five orphans in my care that I saw her on the streets in a bad situation and everyone was running away. So, I decided to go and help her. I still don’t know the whereabouts of my husband and one of the orphans in my care,” she said.
Another woman, Maryam, narrated how she discovered the decapitated body of her husband.
“I could not (run?) because I had been sick for the past four months. But after fleeing to a seemingly safe place, we heard that our house was burnt, and my shop and belongings I bought in preparation for my son’s wedding worth millions of naira were burnt.
“So, I became worried about my kids and started calling my husband’s phone to know where he was. The phone kept ringing and no one to pick and thereafter, it was switched off.
“When I finally saw my kids, they also said they were looking for their dad. Then we met a woman who asked if I saw my husband, and she told me where she saw him but pleaded that I had to be patient because he had been killed,” she said. Husseina Salihu Maisaje, the sister of Maryam’s husband, also corroborated Maryam’s version of how they discovered that her brother was killed, and that they found his decapitated body burnt.
She said most of the women who escaped Tuesday’s attacks were looking for their children.
How violence escalated
Killings and burning of houses continued in Mangu on Tuesday, despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.
Governor Celeb Mutfwang, who hails from the troubled local government area, had imposed a curfew after fresh killings were recorded in the area.
But the crisis continued yesterday as residents of Mangu confirmed that gunmen stormed several communities, shooting at everyone in sight.
Suleiman Muhammad, a resident, of Mangu, told Daily Trust that: “At around 9:30am this morning (Wednesday), gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons came and started shooting sporadically. They burnt a lot of houses and schools including the Sunnah Islamiyya School, Islamic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Arewa Model Private School, Arewa College of Health, Mangu, and Audi Musa Memorial School, Mangu.
“Some persons were killed; they have overwhelmed the security personnel currently in Mangu. We are surrounded by the gunmen. They burnt down all the religious centres and houses in Anguwan Fyemawa, Anguwan Hayi, Anguwan Kwata, and Anguwan Maijirgi – all in ward 2 of Mangu”, he said.
Operation Rainbow accused of extrajudicial killings, arson
Muslims in some communities are accusing the state-owned security outfit code named ‘Operation Rainbow’ of extrajudicial killings and arson within Mangu town. Salisu Mu’azu, a resident of the Kwata community told our reporter that gunmen led by Operation Rainbow stormed their community around 9:30am yesterday and started shooting and burning of houses.
Another resident of Anguwan Fyemawa, Ibrahim Isa, also accused Operation Rainbow and a mob of invading their community.
He said: “There is lawlessness now in Mangu. Killings and gunshots are going on everywhere. We don’t know how many people have died. We have not been able to bury the corpses we have on the ground because of the situation. Now we are recording more deaths.” Musa Salisu, a resident of Hayi community in Mangu, also decried the activities of Operation Rainbow in his area.
He said: “We are begging the federal government to come to our aid. We are being killed; our houses are being burnt. Where is the security in Mangu? Is Operation Rainbow the only force we have to tackle this problem? Personnel of the Operation are only killing us instead of restoring peace.”
They’re hired killers – JNI
The Plateau State chapter of JNI has also accused Operation Rainbow of lop-sidedness in its operation.
A statement signed by the state Secretary of the group, Dr Salim Musa Umar, condemned the violence in Mangu, and called on security agencies to rise up to the occasion to salvage the lives and properties of the people in the area.
“Reports from Mangu town this morning are not encouraging, as places of worship and faith-based schools were torched and demolished while the killings continue. Residents are decrying the negative role of the state government’s security outfit codenamed ‘Operation Rainbow’, accusing them of glaring partisanship.
“Security agents should be on the lookout for possible infiltrators as it is widely alleged that some hired killers are on the prowl with the intent to carry out massive attacks on Muslims in the community. This is an act that shouldn’t be allowed to happen”, Salim appealed.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the security outfit, Panam Gongden, denied the allegations labelled against it.
He said, “Operation Rainbow belongs to everyone and it compromises of conventional police, immigration, Civil Defence and other security agencies.
“We wonder how some people will be accusing us of taking side. The dispatch of personnel is not done based on ethnicity or religion. It is a joined patrol. It is just baseless. People who have lost touch with what they are sent to do will definitely make such accusations”, he said.
Some members of Muslim communities in Mangu local government area have lamented the condition of the corpses recorded in the crisis, saying that the fluid security situation in the area does not allow them to bury their dead.
Adamu Abdulssalam, Deputy Chairman of the JNI in Mangu, said: “We have 13 corpses in the mosque but we cannot bury them. There is fear of taking the corpses to the graveyard for burial and they are now decomposing.”
We are going to fight – says CAN chairman
In a video that went viral, the Mangu LGA Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Timothy Daluk, said yesterday that if the government did not listen to their plea, they were prepared to fight until the last drop of their blood.
The CAN chairman also said he would personally call a meeting of pastors to that effect, adding that they have tried all they could to ensure peace in Mangu but could not achieve such.
Rev. Daluk, who accused the Nigerian Army of lop-sidedness in their operation in Mangu, called for the withdrawal of all soldiers in the area, adding that their presence does not provide any positive impact.
In the trending video on social media, the religious leader called on the military to pack their loads and leave their communities.
Captain Oya James, spokesperson of the military team in the state codenamed Operation Safe Haven, did not respond to a message requesting for his response to the allegations.
Rev. Daluk said: “I am the CAN chairman of Mangu LG. I am here to report the situation in Mangu to the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu, at this particular point in time, the military are the ones chasing our people to allow militia to burn their houses. At this particular point in time, they have sent every Christian away from New Market.
“And they are leaving the Muslims to burn their houses. They said there is curfew but they only restricted the curfew to people within Christian domain. But the Muslim domain, they are free to move and do whatever they wanted to do. And not only that, the military has killed three of our young men in which I know. One is even from own Church. They killed one yesterday. And I reported to the security, he said he is a fake soldier.
“At first, he said I was lying, but when I proved to him beyond reasonable doubt, he finally accepted that he is not a fake soldier. I said it is the real soldier that killed him. Finally, he disappeared from the scene. Now that I am speaking to you, all of them have switched off their phones and they allowed the place to be burned and razed by the people and this is what is happening as I am speaking to you.
“People around Gindiri Junction, down from this side (pointing at a direction with his hand), their houses are now ablaze because the soldiers protected them and allowed them to burn people’s houses. They are not doing anything about it. So, we in Mangu LGA, as far as Christians are concerned, we don’t want the military in Mangu LGA. They should park their loads and go. We don’t want them. We don’t want them and we don’t need them because they have planned. They have been bought. They have been paid to carry out what they are doing. For that reason, I am calling on the whole world to understand that this thing should stop,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the CAN chairman said they were still collating the number of their killed members as well as those injured or displaced.
Rev Daluk said those injured were taken to Nanret Hospital in Mangu, but that they buried three dead victims yesterday (Wednesday).
According to him, some of the military personnel jumped through the fence of ECWA Church Number 1, Mangu, where he was, and then seized the light weapons some persons were carrying to protect the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the premises, and also harassed some of the IDPs around.
Mwaghavul group expresses sadness, deplores security personnel
On its part, the leadership of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) had expressed sadness at the breakdown of law and order in Mangu town.
This was contained in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr Lawrence Kyarshik.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang yesterday, in a swift reaction to curtail the situation imposed a 24-hr curfew in Mangu, only for the Fulani to unleash mayhem on Kwahaslalek, leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely raised down and properties, including food items, destroyed with fire.
“One then wonders how these criminals operated without any resistance from the security personnel already deployed in the area. Sadly enough, a security alert received on Monday, 22nd had shown that there were pending attacks in Mangu and other places, yet these carnages went on unhindered.
“The MDA frowns at the activities of some of the military personnel who appear to be complacent in carrying out the constitutional duties they swore to protect all citizens of the country, irrespective of tribe and religion,” he said.
The spokesperson said the Mwaghavul Nation and Christians in Mangu have coexisted peacefully with Muslims in the area for decades, and that most of them are even brothers who have inter-married.
He decried that their brothers have however allowed bad elements to settle amongst them and used them against their own brothers and sisters.
No comment from military
The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, maintaining peace in the area, Captain Oya James, did not respond to inquiries by our correspondent regarding the current developments.
However, the Plateau State government said it was working hard to restore peace, not just in Mangu, but everywhere in the state.
Musa Ashom, Commissioner for Communication and Information, who could not give casualty figure said: “We condemn the destruction of properties in totality and will not be cowed into making sensational statements.
“Religious bodies should do more to preach peace, tolerance, and harmonious co-existence than invest so much energy in fanning the embers of disaffection and misleading the public”, he said.
[DailyTrust]
•Group alleges compromise by security agencies
Over 30 persons were killed and several houses destroyed, yesterday, in the Kwahaslalek and the surrounding communities, as gunmen defied the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area by the Plateau State government, on Tuesday.
Recall that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu, following the deteriorating security situation in the area, stressing that only persons on essential duties were allowed to move within the local government until further notice.
However, despite the curfew, gunmen stormed Kwahaslalek and its environs, killing more man 30 persons and destroying several houses and worship centres.
At the time of this report, the Sabon Layi area was the worst affected, as houses, worship centres and business premises were been razed, as citizens accused soldiers of aiding the carnage.
Though no information official confirmation, at the time of this report, a survivor, Hosea Ibrahim, said the skirmish at Mangu town was a decoy for the attack on the Kwahaslalek Community, not far from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, permanent orientation camp at Jakatai, Mangu LGA.
According to him: “What happened at Sabon Gari and Mangu, on Tuesday, was just a distraction, so that people’s attention will be shifted away from the villages. For the second time, my village, Kwahaslalek (behind NYSC camp), was attacked at about 12.30am, leaving over 30 people, mostly women and children, dead, as houses were burnt and some persons left with gunshot wounds.
“At about midnight there was sporadic gunshots and women ran to one compound for safety. Unfortunately, the terrorists went there and killed them, while the men were keeping vigil outside the community. The victims were killed at a community leader’s house, where they ran for refuge. The Mairana, Kinat and other communities in Mangu Halle District, and those on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local government areas are deserted now.”
However, a security personnel who preferred anonymity said, “Mangu town is calm but we were called in the early hours of today (yesterday) about a development around the communities close to the NYSC camp. Our people are there but the deed had been done. A lot of people were killed. The victims are mostly women and children. They had run to hide there because they thought the place was far and the attackers would not go there. But the attackers were conveyed in a vehicle and dropped there before they attacked.”
Other security personnel who also preferred anonymity confirmed the alleged complicity of some of his colleagues saying, “We tried to enter the communities at about 10 am but we could not because of the fire power. Some of us had to confront some of our colleagues from a sister agency because of the perceived bias attitude from them. We are security personnel, we have to keep sentiment aside and help where we can but when one arm gives the impression of bias, how do we solve the people?”
Meanwhile, the Convener, the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, IBBN, Prophet Isa El-Buba has called for an urgent action against insecurity saying, “Security developments in Nigeria have remained alarming and worrying.”
Reactions
Reacting, Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, the umbrella body of the major tribe in the Mangu LGA, faulted allegedly role played by some security personnel in the skirmish in the area despite the ongoing 24-hours curfew.
MDA’s Director of Public Affairs, Lawrence Kyarshik, in a statement said, ” The MDA is saddened by the current breakdown of law and order in Mangu town which begun on Monday 22nd and continued on Wednesday 24th January 2024 without any resistance from the Security. This unfortunate event is currently going on under the watchful eyes of the military who have failed to give protection to law abiding residents of Mangu.
“The Governor in a swift reaction to curtail the situation imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mangu Local Government only for the Fulani Jihadists to unleash mayhem on Kwahaslalek leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely razed down and properties including food items destroyed with fire. One then wonders how these criminals operated without any resistance from the security personnel already deployed in the Local Government.
“Sadly enough, security alert received on Monday 22nd had shown that there is pending attacks in Mangu and other places, yet these carnages went on unhindered. As if that is not enough, even within Mangu, the Muslims took advantage of the curfew to burn down houses, killing unsuspected persons and destroying properties and Churches.
“The MDA frowns at the activities of some of the military personnel who appear to be complacent in carrying the constitutional duties they swore to protect all citizens of the country irrespective of tribe and religion. Eye witness report has it that while the military send our people away, they watch the Muslims burn down houses seamlessly.
“We are losing confidence in the military each passing moment because their actions are clear that they have taken side. Consequently, we wish to demand for complete withdrawal of the military to be replaced with MOPOLS and NSCDC as the roles of the military in this conflict is highly suspicious.
At the moment our people are left at the mercy of God and the little they can do in self defense. The Mwaghavul nation and Christians in Mangu have coexisted peacefully with Muslims in Mangu for decades. Most of them are even our brothers who have also married our daughters. They have allowed bad elements to settle amongst them and used them against their own brothers and sisters. Remember, if you are a Mwaghavul Muslim and love Mangu LGA, you will not conspire with evil people against us.”
Similarly, the leadership of the Plateau Youth Council, PYC, called for the review of the security strategy and implementation to stem the tide of insecurity.
Chairman of PYC Mangu LGA, Dapip Stanley, among others, said “It is a disheartening to witness the lack of efficient response from the security personnel (military) in Mangu LGA. This inaction and failure to effectively address the deteriorating situation has resulted in a massive loss of confidence in their ability to protect and ensure the safety of the communities
“The continued brutality towards innocent residents by the military personnel, coupled with the lack of intervention from the security personnel, is not only exacerbating the current crisis but also creating an atmosphere of fear and helplessness among the populace residents of Mangu LGA.
On its part, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI in the state condemned the resurgence of violence in the Mangu town.
The Secretary of JNI in the state, Salim Umar, said “We call on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in securing the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Mangu and other flash points. All concerned should also do everything possible to prevent any possible escalation. Security agents should be on the lookout for possible infiltrators. All hands must be on deck and by all relevant stakeholders to restore peace and order in Mangu LGA and other affected communities. Peace is priceless. We all must strive to restore sanity in an open and unbiased manner by all stakeholders.”
Mutfwang declares 24-hr curfew in Mangu as tension erupts
Also yesterday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu local government area of the state, following the deteriorating security situation in the area, stressing that only persons on essential duties were allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.
Recall that early yesterday morning, armed men attacked some communities in the local government area, shooting and burning property, though it could not be readily confirmed the number of lives lost and those injured.
However, Vanguard gathered that those injured were conveyed to undisclosed hospitals in the area.
A resident, Ephraim Ishaya, said: “It started yesterday when a young man and woman were attacked by terrorists near the Mangu bridge. The matter was reported to the military at the check point, no action was taken.
”Mangu youths reacted, which led to reprisal from Muslim residents in Mangu. Houses were burned down, with gunshots all over the town.”
”Two worship centres (one Church and one Mosque) were burnt,” a security personnel who did not want to be named said.
Another resident, Josephine Habila, said: “The Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN Sabo Kaswa, and a Mosque at the Dawo area of Mangu were burnt.”
Abuja-based legal luminary, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, OON, has expressed commendation for the selection of Chief Olayide Adelami as the nominee for Deputy Governor alongside Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State.
Ajulo also extolled Governor Aiyedatiwa's leadership for identifying a reliable and competent co-pilot, calling it a demonstration of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s readiness to elevate Ondo State to new heights. The legal luminary sees Akinlami as a capable partner, heralding good governance for the people of Ondo.
Describing Akinlami as a progressive technocrat with a commendable track record, Ajulo highlighted his extensive service to Nigeria's development. He said the former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly and pioneer of critical departments at the Federal level possesses a wealth of experience poised to enrich Governor Aiyedatiwa's administration and contribute to Ondo State's advancement.
Speaking in Akure on Wednesday, Ajulo praised Akinlami's dedication to Ondo State, emphasizing his role as a pivotal figure in the establishment of critical departments in the country. He said "Chief Akinlami is one of the finest technocrats of Ondo State extraction. He was a pioneer staff of the Constituent Assembly which became the present-day National Assembly, and set up the Finance and Accounts Department of the National Assembly and the Accounts Department of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund among others. I personally know him as someone who loves Ondo State dearly, and he's one of our best ambassadors"
"Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves applause for recognizing an indigene of Owo, a testament to his respect for the entire Owo kingdom and a worthy tribute to Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu," remarked Ajulo.
Expressing appreciation for the Ondo State Assembly's unwavering dedication, Ajulo urged swift confirmation for Akinlami, emphasizing the significance of expeditious proceedings for the State's progress.
He also used the occasion to salute Late Governor Akeredolu and commends all Owo people for their contribution to the State, Nigeria and the world at large.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, today, departed Abuja for Paris, France, on a private visit, according to the Presidency.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement added that President Tinubu will return to the country in the first week of February, 2024.
Tinubu had on Tuesday night held a bilateral meeting with the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
Tinubu’s last travel out of the country was to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, which took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last December.
Apart from participating in the conference in Dubai, the President had bilateral talks with King Charles of England, the President of UAE, and leaders of several countries and multilateral partners to concretize engagements.
Tinubu also witnessed the signing of an accelerated performance agreement between Nigeria and Germany to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply and hosted a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme on the margins of the COP28 climate summit.
[NaijaTimes]
FG to ban some plastics products, supports Lagos govt’s decision on Styrofoam, single-use plastics
AdminThe Federal Government has hinted at the banning of some plastic products, expressing support for the decision of the Lagos State Government to ban Styrofoam and other single-use plastics.
The government says that the ban of some plastic materials is inevitable, even as it urged Nigerians to be prepared for “wholistic circular management of our waste”.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Menace of single-use plastics needs to be addressed
Salako said the decision of the Lagos State Government to ban Styrofoam and other single use plastics is “a strong signal to businesses and the general public that the menace of single use plastics needs to be comprehensively addressed, if Nigeria is to deliver on her environmental agenda of sustainability.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government for the bold decision to go ahead with the ban.
He said the Federal Ministry of Environment recently inaugurated “an interagency committee to continue the process of robust consultation across government, across businesses and with all stakeholders to birth a sustainable solution that is sensitive to the Nigeria context”.
Banning of some plastic products inevitable
Salako said the ministry is examining policies and initiatives that will drive the production of alternatives to plastics.
- He said, “The current poorly regulated and indiscriminate use of plastics has to be addressed, and Nigerians must prepare for the inevitable change in this area, including banning of some products.
- “In the interim, Nigerians are advised to take personal deliberate environmental actions to reduce and reuse plastics and also explore the growing market of recycling for their plastic waste.
- “In the coming days, robust awareness campaign and sensitization will be rolled out to prepare Nigerians for the inevitable ban of some plastics and the wholistic circular management of our waste.”
What you should know
- Recall that a few days ago, the Lagos State Government had announced the banning of the usage and distribution of single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam across the state due to the menace such plastics are causing on the environment in the densely populated state.
- The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who explained further said that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
- He added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.
[Nairametrics]
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted 1,897 senior Police officers to the next rank.
Among the notable officers promoted on January 23, 2024, included AIG Dasuki Galadanci, AIG in-charge of Zone 12 Bauchi, who has been promoted to a deputy inspector-general of police (DIG) to represent the North-West geopolitical zone of the country.
Galadanci will replace DIG Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, who is expected to retire on February 2 this year.
The commission also elevated 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors-general of Police. However, one of the Commissioners for promotion to AIG was stepped down to enable the Commission review the pending disciplinary matters against the officer, which was sent to the PSC by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The new AIGs are; Yetunde Longe, CP Eastern Ports, Port Harcourt; Haruna Gabriel Garba, CP Federal Capital Territory; Tajudeen Akinwale Abass, CP Delta State; Rex Dundun, CP General Investigation, FCID Annex Kaduna; Durosinmi Olatoye, CP Akwa Ibom State; Afolabi Babatola Adeniyi, CP Adamawa State; Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, CP Ondo State; CP Julius Alawari Okoro; CP Plateau State; George Chijioke Chuku, CP Benue State; Paul Alifa Omata, CP K9 Force Headquarters; Yusuf Adesina Akeem, CP Research and Development, Force Headquarters; Bzigu Yakabu Kwazhi Dali, CP Osun State; Idris Nagoyo, Police Mounted Troop Squadron and CP Ogundare Dare Emmanuel, CP Ekiti state.
The commission also promoted 21 deputy commissioners of police to the substantive rank of commissioners; 20 assistant commissioners to deputy commissioners, 109 chief superintendents to assistant commissioners and 184 superintendents to chief superintendents.
It also considered and approved the promotion of 1,549 assistant superintendents to deputy superintendents.
Spokesperson of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, on Wednesday, said the chairman of the commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, who presided over the management meeting of the commission, had accordingly given anticipatory approval for the appointment of one DIG and promotion of 1,897 senior police officers recommended to the commission by the inspector-general of police.
The 14 commissioners of police and 21 deputy commissioners appeared before the management of the commission for an interactive promotion interview, a condition precedent for their elevation to the next ranks.
Ani further stated that at the interactive session, Arase charged the officers to quickly settle down to their new ranks and go forth and win the war against banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes in the country.
[Leadership]
The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has abolished the position of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader of the group, presently occupied by Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan.
Rising from its monthly meeting held at the country home of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo state, the group said that the decision was to halt the polarisation.
At the instance of the leader, Pa Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, was mandated to preside over the meeting.
According to the group’s communique read to newsmen, by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the motion on the need to abrogate the dual positions of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader was moved by a 92-year-old, Professor of Surgery, Samuel Ibikunle from Ogun State and seconded by Dr Niyi lkuomelo from Ondo state.
Professor lbikunle, while moving the motion said that ” based on the report of the reconciliation committee, that it has reached a dead end and is unable to achieve reconciliation, l, Prof Samuel lbikunle of Ogun state Afenifere, hereby move that the offices of the acting leader and deputy leader should be dissolved into an Afenifere Elders Caucus to be constituted by the leader.”
The communique reads “A motion on the need to abrogate the dual positions of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader was moved by Dr. S. J. Ibikunle from Ogun State. It was seconded by members from Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Ondo States.
“When the matter was thrown to the general house, the motion was unanimously carried.
“Flowing from this, the Leader then declared as follows: that “In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided as follows: the position of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader has now been abrogated, the responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus which is hereby constituted.
“Members of the Elders Caucus* are as follow: Chief R. F. Fasoranti – Chairman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, HRM Oba Olu Falae, HE Senator C O Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, Arch Bishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani Ipoola Akinrinade, Maj Gen. Olu Bajowa rtd, Prof Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi, Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Femi Aluko, Prince Alonge, Dr Yomi Finnih, Prince Olusi, Hon Korede Duyile, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Hon Lekan Alabi and Dr Kunle Olajide.
Also, the group, in the communique, condoled the people of Ondo State over the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The group equally resolved that “There is an urgent need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.
“Such reworking should include giving states and local government councils that so desire to establish own police services with all the requisite powers to function as such.
“Doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.
“The unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscores the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with particular reference to mining and exploration.
“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining for instance, Oyo State government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around.
” Such would have made last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatized hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into Billions of Naira would have been prevented.
“To facilitate the issues in 1 and 2 above, Afenifere again reiterated that the time for Restructuring the country is NOW.
” It therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set the machinery in motion for the purpose.
“The organization took note of the fact that the President, a known democrat and federalist would not hesitate to do things that will quicken the country’s quest for true federalism in which people would have self-determination within the context of one nation that is genuinely democratic and federal.
“The meeting took note of the report that Miyetti Allah Hore set up a 1,144-strong Nomad Vigilante militia in Nassarawa ostensibly to provide security for Fulani herders.
“Afenifere was of the opinion that Miyetti Allah, being a non-state actor, should not have power to do a thing like that.
” It therefore considered the action of the Department of State Security (DSS) to checkmate Miyetti Allah on the issue as timely and in order.
“The meeting expressed the hope that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would be giving the necessary push so that life can be easier for the people of Nigeria.
“Among the means of achieving this are taking steps that would strengthen the value of our currency, the Naira, reduce costs of energy (fuel in particular) through local production of petroleum products as well as regular supply of electricity.
“In view of the current high cost of living, Afenifere urged the Federal Government, through its various organs in charge of finance and fiscal policies, to accelerate actions that will strengthen the value of our currency, enhance productivity, reduce costs of items and services all geared towards reducing inflation and enhancing the welfare of the people.
“The meeting renewed its call on governments in Yoruba-speaking states to further encourage the teaching and usage of Yoruba language in schools.
” This can be done by making the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower level of secondary education as well as making it compulsory for students at school certificate examination level.
” It also urged parents and guardians to teach their children the language as well as encourage its usage as much as possible both in verbal and literary communications.
Pa Fasoranti at the close of the meeting “encouraged Afenifere members to be more committed to the noble ideals that the organization stands for and display Omoluabi ethos as they project Afenifere further in their respective states.
He prayed “for the success of government at all levels so that the people can enjoy a better lease of life.
Present at the meeting include Prof Ropo Sekoni, Otunbo Kole Omololu, former governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Osun deputy governor, lyiola Omisore, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Agbakin Ademola Folarin, Pastor Bola Bolawole, Chief lmam of Yorubaland, Abduraheem Aduranigba amongst others.
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Olayide Owolabi Adelami, the nominee for the position of deputy governor of Ondo State, is scheduled to undergo screening before the Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday, January 26.
The speaker of the Ondo Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, announced this during Wednesday’s plenary after reading a letter from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Oladiji said the governor acted in line with Section 191(3) b&c of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Here are 11 things to know about the new Ondo deputy Gov nominee
1. Chief Adelami who hails from Owo, Owo local government area
2. He was born over six decades ago to the family of Oluka Oribokun by Pa and Mrs Amos Adelami.
3. Adelami was an APC governorship aspirant in 2020 but stepped down for the late Akeredolu.
4. He was first enlisted into the Federal Civil Service as an Accountant II in December 1983
5. Adelami retired as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly l in April 2018.
6. He graduated from the prestigious Imade College in Owo before proceeding to The Polytechnic, Ibadan for his GCE A level
7. He later went to the University of Lagos for his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He further got an MBA degree from Ogun State University.
8. In 1988 he was later posted to the National Assembly Provisional Office, Abuja as one of the pioneer staff of the Constituent Assembly which metamorphosed into the present-day National Assembly.
9. In 1996, he was invited to help in setting up the Accounts Department of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund.
10. In 2014, he was promoted to the position of Secretary (Permanent Secretary) at the Directorate of Procurement, Estate and Works. A position he held until he was appointed as the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly.
11. He also served at the Family Support Trust Fund as head of the Finance and Accounts Department between 1996 and 2000.
[TheNation]
A Nigerian man, Saheed Wahab, reportedly died a day after relocating to the United Kingdom for his master’s degree.
Wahab, who arrived at Teesside University, UK, as a student on January 15, 2024, to start his programme reportedly died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The death was confirmed in a statement released by the Nigerians in the UK Community and posted on the group’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The statement partly read, “Following the sad news we received regarding the death of Mr Saheed Wahab, a student at Teesside University who died a day after arriving in the United Kingdom from Nigeria.
“He was here to start an MSc qualification, but unfortunately he died on Tuesday (16th January) afternoon in Teesside.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his sins and accept his return.”
The community noted that it has reached out to the family of the deceased for burial arrangements.
The statement noted, “We have reached out to his wife and family members in Nigeria, and they’ve given us permission to act on their behalf and arrange a funeral service for him here in the United Kingdom.
“We’ve also been able to contact the coroner where his remains is.”
Following his death, his Janazah (funeral) arrangement has been scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Jamia Masjid Al Madina, 133a Waterloo Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 3JB.
[Punch]
A former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has been nominated as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
Adelami’s nomination came shortly after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the dissolution of members of the State Executive Council in the cabinet, who worked under the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
An alumnus of Imade College, Adelami obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Lagos before proceeding to get his MBA from Ogun State University.
He was a deputy clerk at the National Assembly before retiring in April 2018.
Chief Press Secretary to Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the nomination of Adelami in a statement on Wednesday.
Adelami’s nomination is believed to have laid to rest agitations for the appointment of a new deputy governor for the state following the emergence of Aiyedatiwa.
Aiyedatiwa became the substantive governor of the state after the demise of Akeredolu, who passed on after battling protracted prostrate cancer.
The Presidency has maintained that there are no plans to move the Federal Capital to Lagos as speculated in some quarters.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, stated this in a statement via his official X handle on Wednesday.
According to Onanuga, those peddling rumour are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves.
He claimed that those pushing the campaign of falsehood know they are playing politics, albeit dangerous politics to pitch the North against the South.
Onanuga said Abuja has come to stay as it is backed by law.
His statement comes after the recent relocation of FAAN, a department of the Aviation Ministry, to Lagos.
Onanuga said there are many parastatals that are not based in Abuja depending on their mandate, insisting that Administrative decisions should not be politicized.
The statement reads, “President Tinubu has no plan whatsoever to move the Federal Capital to Lagos. The rumour first surfaced during the campaign last year by opponents looking for all manners of weapons to stop him. We trashed it.
“Those peddling it anew are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves. Abuja has come to stay. It is backed by law.
“The movement of FAAN, a department of the Aviation Ministry to Lagos, where it was based before former minister Hadi Sirika moved it to Abuja during the last administration, does not amount to moving the FCT to Lagos.
“The administrative move should have attracted scant attention, as Lagos is the commercial capital and the hub of aviation business in Nigeria. FAAN should be nowhere else but near the industry it regulates. FAAN will still maintain some presence in Abuja, as it is not a wholesale movement.
“Similarly, the movement of some departments of the CBN to Lagos should not trigger any hoopla. The departments concerned, including the bank supervision department, are those dealing with commercial banks, all with headquarters in Lagos. A regulator ought to be close to the businesses it regulates.
“All those pushing this campaign of falsehood know they are playing politics, albeit a dangerous politics to pit the North against the South.
“There are many parastatals that are not based in Abuja depending on their mandate. NIMASA is in Lagos. So is NPA. The National Inland Waterways Authority( NIWA) is in Lokoja, not Abuja. Will the people opposing the movement of FAAN and some CBN departments want those agencies to be in Abuja, where there is no single port and no maritime activity?
“Administrative decisions should not be politicized. Let it not look like whenever we are temporarily not at the helm of affairs, we create all manners of dangerous rumours to distract from the bigger picture and emasculate an administration led by a Southerner.
“Let’s stop the dirty politics. We can’t be playing politics with everything.”