Home Blog Page 1809

‘Take the battle to them wherever they are and kill them all. Don’t wait for an order’ – IGP declares war on Biafran agitators

NewsWireNGR
-
0
‘Take the battle to them wherever they are and kill them all. Don’t wait for an order’ – IGP declares war on Biafran agitators

The acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on Tuesday declared war on Biafra agitators in the south-east region of the country.

The acting IGP spoke while addressing the Police Mobile Force and Special Tactical Squad of the Force in Enugu shortly after he launched Operation Restore Peace.

“The resort to terror tactics, disregard to constitutional processes and disrespect for democratic standards to advance their interests of creating an ungovernable space in the region informed the decision of the Federal Government to outlaw IPOB.” he stated.

“Don’t mind the media shout; do the job I command you. If anyone accuses you of human rights violation, the report will come to my table and you know what I will do. So, take the battle to them wherever they are and kill them all. Don’t wait for an order.

“What another order are you waiting for when Mr. President had ordered you to shoot anybody carrying AK-47 rifle? Quote me, even a dead policeman can be tried and dismissed from the force and his family will not get his benefits.

“So, don’t seat and wait for them to come; take attack to them and don’t lose your arms to criminals,” the acting IGP said.

Meanwhile the acting IG flagged off the special operation, today, 19th May, 2021 at the Sharks football stadium, Port Harcourt.

The launch was witnessed by governors of the South-East states and heads of other security agencies.

“Today’s launch of Operation RP by the Nigeria Police follows the directives of Mr. President to the Nigeria Police to re-evaluate and emplace new operational strategies to stem the tide of violence and secessionist agenda not only in the South-East but across the country.” the acting IGP said.

In the last few months, several police formations and offices of the independent national electoral commission (INEC) offices have been attacked and burned by unknown gunmen.

The outlawed secesionist group, IPOB has been blamed for these attacks.

Borno Governor is back to work after 21 days vacation

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Borno Governor is back to work after 21 days vacation

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has resumed work after 21 days vacation.

Zulum arrived Maiduguri on Wednesday afternoon.

Addressing government officials, party leaders and supporters, who received him at the airport in Maiduguri, the governor assured that his administration’s top priority will remain the restoration of peace in the state to enable the revival of mass livelihoods through agricultural and other businesses.

NewsWireNGR had reported that Governor Zulum embarked on a vacation from April 29 to Wednesday May 19, 20121.

Zulum had before his departure, had written to Borno State Assembly, requesting that his Deputy, Kadafur be given full constitutional powers to take decisions without recourse to him (Zulum), to which the assembly granted.

Zulum’s request was in compliance with provisions of section 190 (1) of the constitution, his letter to the assembly had noted

Zulum while interacting with journalists also revealed that in the next two years of his tenure, government will focus on the recruitment of more teachers and health workers to address demands of the increasing population in the state.

The Governor said, the recruitment is to provide effective service delivery in the healthcare sector and education.

Kaduna Strike: Labour Minister invites El Rufai and NLC for reconciliation meeting

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Kaduna Strike: Labour Minister invites El Rufai and NLC for reconciliation meeting

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige on Wednesday has invited the Kaduna State government and labour unions to a reconciliation meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to hold by 11 am on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

Those invited for the meeting include the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai and top officials of the State; as well as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba and top NLC leaders.

This was disclosed by the Charles Akpan, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The Minister further directed the two parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of the issues in contention.

The letter separately addressed to both the Governor of Kaduna State and the President of the NLC reads in part:

“Sequel to the strike prompted by the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) one of the federations of Trade Unions in Nigeria, and the subsequent withdrawal of work and services in almost all public sector establishments and institutions in Kaduna State, including but not limited to the essential services in electricity, water and health, which has consequently resulted and inflicted huge damage and loss to the economy and well-being and even loss of lives to the people of Kaduna State in the last three days.

“I am therefore constrained in the exercise of my powers as the Minister of Labour and Employment, under the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. T8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004; to invite you and your top officials to the emergency trade dispute conciliation meeting.”

The letter emphasized further, “between the transition period for the meeting, you are please requested to maintain the status quo ante bellum this dispute so that the enabling climate for the resolution of the issues in dispute will not be hindered by the creation of new issues.”

The Minister’s intervention comes three days after the NLC started a protest following the disengagement of over seven thousand civil servants at the state and local governments by the Kaduna State government.

Federal Government says a new national carrier will take off first quarter of 2022

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Federal Government says a new national carrier will take off first quarter of 2022

Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika says the new national carrier will commence operation in the first quarter of 2022.


Sirika disclosed this while addressing state house correspondents after the weekly federal executive council meeting in Abuja.

He said the new national carrier is long overdue and the private sector-run airline will be in operation by early 2022, with possibly cheaper rates.

Sirika said the new national carrier is expected to be a viable airline and is potentially poised to cater to millions of travelers in Nigeria and Africa.


He said the COVID-19 pandemic the forced postponement of the planned date for the establishment of the national carrier initially planned for the end of 2021.

Sirika further added that the Ministry will return to the council in two weeks to submit a memo with an outline business case for council’s approval.

Lagos Government says Igbosere High Court will relocate to Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Lagos Government says Igbosere High Court will relocate to Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi

The Lagos State Government has announced that the relocation of Igbosere High Court to a property at Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi will be completed by end of May 2021.

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, made the disclosure at the Ministry of Justice 2021 ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.

The Igbosere High Court, the country’s oldest and one of its most recognisable judicial buildings, was attacked on October 22 by hoodlums in the violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.

The criminals spent hours looting and vandalising vehicles, furniture, refrigerators, air conditioners, office equipment among others, before burning the entire court complex to the ground.

He also said the digitalisation of 10 of the state’s courts is ongoing and said that six of the fully digitalised courts will be ready by October.

He noted that the court digitalisation will complement the launch of an online platform for checking the status of legal advice and certified true copy of legal advice.

Lawmakers move to criminalize ransom payments to kidnappers

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Lawmakers move to criminalize ransom payments to kidnappers

A bill to criminalise payment of ransom in Nigeria has passed second reading in the Senate on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Leading debate on the bill on Wednesday, Senator Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East – PDP), said it seeks to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 with a new section which criminalises payment of ransom to kidnappers and terrorists with 15 years imprisonment.

The lawmaker lamented that hostage-taking has become a lucrative business in Nigeria and is now the most pervasive violent crime across all geopolitical zones.

He said instead of fueling the kidnapping industry with ransom payments, Nigerians should provide necessary information to authorities for the rescue of hostages.

“The wisest thing for government to do would be to keep an eye on statistics because these show that buying out one victim strengthens and encourages kidnappers, and thus puts many more people at risk.

“The continuous payment of ransom must not be encouraged,” he said.

Supporting the proposal, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central – APC), also said payment of ransom is counterproductive as it encourages more kidnapping and terrorism.

“If you don’t pay the ransom, it will discourage the kidnappers and terrorists. Eventually, the captives will be released,” he said.

Both lawmakers called on the government to strengthen law enforcement agencies and provide the necessary support to end the menace of kidnapping in the country.

Senator Onyewuchi further advised the government to accelerate poverty alleviation programs, as well as provide economic activities to help young people resist the temptation to resort to a life of crime.

The amendment bill was passed for a second reading when it was put up to a voice vote by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North – APC).

The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters to report back within four weeks, after which it could be passed and forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign it into law.

Kaduna Strike: CNG backs NLC against El-Rufai

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Kaduna Strike: CNG backs NLC against El-Rufai

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has backed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its ongoing scuffle with the Kaduna State government.

Recall that this paper had reported the labour union commenced on a 5-day warning strike on Monday to protest the disengagement of thousands of workers in Kaduna State. They have grounded activities in the state as a result of the protest.

The state government has however insisted on not retracing the decision, citing the initial fiscal reasons it gave as reason.

Amid a series of harsh response to the dismay of many, the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai described the protest as unlawful, declared the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba wanted and sacked more workers

On Tuesday, the protest turned violent as armed thugs attacked the workers who had converged at the popular NEPA roundabout in the Kaduna capital city, throwing stones at them.

Wading in on the situation in a press statement published on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, CNG warned the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai against abusing the right of the NLC members and workers in the state.

The statement  titled ‘CNG lauds NLC, also warned El-Rufai against escalating tensions with unguarded utterances and action.

It faulted what it called the growing practice of deploying non-state actors against peaceful processions by some political leaders in the state and commended the police for “refusing to compromise professionalism when state-sponsored thugs unleashed violence on workers who were merely protesting impunity”.

“We are watching events as they unfold and for the avoidance of doubt, if the governor insists on pursuing the path of brigandage to suppress the ongoing civil action by workers, he would certainly be called to account for any unforeseen eventuality.

“While we restate our total support for the ongoing action by the courageous leaders of the organised labour and stand firmly in solidarity with the Kaduna State workers who have subjected to suppressive and inhumane policies of Elrufai,” Suleiman said.

He said the CNG would leave no stone unturned in pushing for thorough investigation and prosecution of the political leaders or government officials behind the practice of deploying armed violent thugs on peaceful assemblies in the state which is fast becoming the new normal.

“We recall that the CNG had once suffered similar state sponsored attack by armed gangs that disrupted its meeting on security at Arewa House. We find it unacceptable that armed thugs in their hundreds would storm the streets of a state capital, unleash violence on peaceful assemblies and vanish into the thin air,” he added.

INEC chairman condemns increasing attacks on It’s offices

NewsWireNGR
-
0
INEC chairman condemns increasing attacks on It’s offices

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Wednesday had a meeting with Residents Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the country to discuss the increasing spate of attacks on INEC offices across the country.

At the emergency meeting, the Chairman condemned the arsons on its offices and together with the REC reviewed developments since they last met.

According to the INEC Boss, the damage to INEC materials were capable of affecting the Commission’s ability to conduct elections.

He appealed to host communities to see INEC properties as a national asset.

“Even in the recent events of arson and vandalization, many of them have demonstrated exceptional willingness to support the Commission.

“I wish to thank our host communities in all parts of the country and appeal to them to continue to see INEC property as both national and local assets to be protected.

“I will take briefings from across the country on threats to INEC facilities and deliberate on how best to protect them. I believe that we can dig deep and draw from the Commission’s longstanding partnership with communities in this regard, in addition to depending on the invaluable support of our security agencies,” Yakubu said.

The INEC boss added that despite the challenges posed by these threats, “we are still positive that we can find lasting solutions to the spate of attacks on our facilities.”

He also informed the Commissioners about the ongoing efforts to expand the number of polling units, noting that the Commission has also completed all preparations for the continuous voters’ registration which will commence next month.

“The Commission conducted 28 out of 32 bye-elections across the country since the 2019 General Election, in addition to four end-of tenure Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Edo, Kogi and Ondo States.

“The by-elections were held in 20 States involving six Senatorial Districts, seven Federal Constituencies, 18 State Constituencies, and one Councillorship Constituency in Abaji Ward of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Indeed, it is now clear that the Commission must reconcile itself with the fact that elections have become an all-year-round undertaking in Nigeria.”

Kaduna government supporters march to counter NLC protesters

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Kaduna government supporters march to counter NLC protesters

Supporters of the Kaduna state government are currently marching to counter the Nigeria Labour Congress protests of the Nigeria against the Kaduna State Government.

The protest is holding at Nepa Roundabouts, the same spot where NLC members gathered for a protest on Tuesday.

Women, youth and children were seen holding placards to protest against the ongoing NLC strike on its third day.

The protesters accused the labour union of putting Kaduna residents in a total blackout.

Their placards read “the achievements of the state’s governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai which includes: payment of loan and gratuities to retired workers with 14 billion Naira, payment of scholarship and introduction of loan scheme to students and among others.”

On Tuesday, the Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai had asked the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba to submit himself to the nearest police station for prosecution after he accused him of economic sabotage in the state.

In what is a third day of mass protests by labour unions across the state, schools have been shut, airport activities grounded, banks locked, the electricity system grounded, and all sectors of the Kaduna economy have been left reeling from the industrial action.

“What is happening now in Kaduna is not an industrial action but a campaign of social and economic sabotage,” says Head of Service in Kaduna State, Baritu Mohammed told journalists.

The NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, had said that the five-day strike action would run its full course unless the State Government attended to the workers grievances.

Some of the grievances included the recent sack of 7,000 local government workers and refusal of the state government to settle the entitlements of about 50, 000 it disengaged from service from 2017 to date.

Just In: Gunmen have abducted about 21 people in Katsina

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Just In: Gunmen have abducted about 21 people in Katsina

One person has been reported dead and 21 others mostly women and children abducted in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

An eyewitness told Channels Television that the armed bandits arrived in Batsari town at about 10:20 pm on Tuesday shooting sporadically and eventually abducted 21 persons.

The eyewitness said that the hoodlums after rustling dozens of cattle, properties, and mobile phones worth millions of naira also killed a refugee of Bakon Zabuwa village, identified as Alhaji Hassan.

The police authorities in Katsina State have not confirmed the incident as the time of filing thie report.

Recall that earlier on Tuesday, a Judge was kidnapped inside a Sharia Court, in Baure Zaka villages in Safana Local Government Area of the State.

Former Jigawa chief judge, Aminu Ringim, has died in a road accident

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Former Jigawa chief judge, Aminu Ringim, has died in a road accident

A former Jigawa chief judge, Aminu Sabo Ringim, has died in an accident in Shafar village, Ringim LGA of the state.

Spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adamu Sheu, confirmed the incident to journalists in Dutse.

He said the incident involved the ex-chief judge and his son.

“The incident happened around 1pm today at Shafar village in Ringim LGA after the deceased, who is driving a Peugeot 206 from Dutse to Ringim, lost control on a sharp bend along Chaichai-Ringim road,” he said.

The incident involved two persons, the former Chief Judge and his son.”

He said all the victims were rushed to Ringim General Hospital where the ex-chief judge was confirmed dead.

According to the NSCDC spokesman, the son, who sustained injury is currently receiving medical attention at hospital.

When contacted, Zainab Baba-Santali, spokesman of the state’s ministry of justice, confirmed the incident and promised to issue a statement.

“The ministry will issue a statement concerning the deceased, immediately the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Musa Adamu returned from the burial,” she said.

Coalition of CSOs chide National Assembly for delaying passing of Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Coalition of CSOs chide National Assembly for delaying passing of Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill

A coalition of civil societies under the aegis of Alliance of Civil Society Organizations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space (ACCESS) has slammed the National Assembly for delay in passing the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill and enact the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2021.

The group of CSOs said this on Wednesday as it marched to the National Assembly and the 36 States’ House of Assembly of the country under an #OccupyNASStoday protest to demand the passage of the bill.

The eighth national assembly had passed the bill and transmitted it to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

But Buhari withheld his assent to the bill on the grounds that the proposed law would usurp the constitutional powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to decide on election matters and would create “some uncertainty about the legislation to govern the process”.

The ninth senate, however, reintroduced the bill and it passed first and second reading.

“We are worried that Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly is yet to pass the new Electoral Act despite our engagement of the National Assembly as a Civil Society in the last 15 months,” the group said in a statement published by the Abuja and Lagos spokespersons of the group. Ariyo-Dare-Atoye and Ayo Ademilua, respectively.

The Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 5, 2010 (As Amended) and enact the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2021 seeks to correct gaps in the present Nigerian electoral system. And by delaying the bill from passage of the bill, the coalition alleged that the national assembly may be part of the conspiracy to make 2023 election less credible and open to fraud.

The coalition’s statement continued, “The leadership of the two Houses of the National Assembly must demonstrate that they are not part of an emerging conspiracy within the current ruling political elite to scuttle the conduct of the 2023 elections.

“They must immediately ensure passage of the Electoral Act 2021 on or before June 9, 2021, when the 9th Legislative Session shall clock two years, to show Nigerians that they are patriotic and committed to free, fair, credible elections.”

The statement further urged the National Assembly to have passed the bill ahead of the November Anambra gubernatorial election.

“We also want this Act in place to guide the conduct of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 6, 2021. This will also enable the commission and other stakeholders to adjust to the new realities of conduct of elections ahead of subsequent off circle elections.

“We may be forced to take further steps to drive home our demands, if there is no positive response after today’s March and engagement.

“Finally, we stress that the passage of the Electoral Act 2021 must bring much advancement to our electoral system by ensuring biometric (electronic) accreditation of voters and electronic transmission of results (votes), while capturing the 10-for-10 sacrosanct citizens’ demands already submitted by CSOs to the National Assembly.”

1...1,8081,8091,810...4,398Page 1,809 of 4,398