NEWS
Obaigbena to Military: Stop Arresting Protesters, Protecting Election Riggers
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Publisher of Thisday newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena on Thursday told the Nigerian military to stop getting involved in arresting peaceful protesters.
He equally called on the military to stop protecting election riggers but to go after kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country, saying only free and fair elections can guarantee accountability and minimise protests.
Obaigbena spoke on Thursday in Makurdi, Benue State where he was the special guest of honour at the 2024 third quarter of the Nigerian Army civil- military cooperation media chat.
He praised the Nigerian military for defending democracy, unlike their counterparts in some African countries like Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and others where the military had toppled democratically elected governments.
Obaigbena said, “Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives everyday to give us peace. We should not take it for granted. We should work with them. But the military needs to do more.
“The military should stop getting involved in arresting protesters, they should arrest kidnappers. They should stop protecting election riggers so as to entrench good governance that will stop protests. They should arrest kidnappers and then face the wrath of the law. Stop getting involved in protecting election riggers. If you conduct proper elections, your government will be accountable.”
Obaigbena appealed to the Nigerian government to ensure proper funding of the Armed Forces, saying that at least, 25 percent of the national budget should be invested in technology driven security.
“We have national satellite companies and other agencies who have been working and if we integrate our national satellite capability with our war in the North East and the North West, we can monitor bandits in Kaduna and other places.
“We spend so much money on national security, we spend so much money on national satellite technologies and across the board, we have to look at national security as a whole government approach.
“We have the entire infrastructure combined with the army and the army has to provide enough weapons. We need to have a vibrant defence industry.
“Why are we still importing bullets, importing arms, AK-47 and the likes. So we have to integrate our whole defence infrastructure with technological infrastructure to keep us safe and protect Nigerians from the new world order.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen, there is a crisis in the Middle East, crisis in Ukraine, the possibility of Trump’s presidency, we should be ready to keep our peace and keep ourselves going.
“If I say 25 percent of our national budget should go to the armed forces, then 25 percent should also go to education, especially in the North so that we can get our people educated.
“Furthermore, another 25 percent should also go for health and poverty alleviation. We have to support vulnerable people in our society. Then we have to reduce taxes and allow people’s money in their hands so that they can grow their own food, their own transport and be able to sort themselves out”, Obaigbena said.
He urged Nigerians to continue to encourage civil-military engagements and to also involve the media to foster national development.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, said the Army was fostering collaborative partnerships across Nigeria, resulting in the present successes being recorded across multiple theatres in the country.
He said the cooperation being enjoyed by the military has led to the neutralisation of several terrorists and their leaders and the rescue of some abducted Nigerians in recent times.
General Lagbaja, who was represented at the occasion by the Commander, 4 Special Force Command, Major General Hilary Nzan, revealed that the military had assisted in the restoration of socio-economic activities in some crisis-ridden communities.
The Commander described the media as a crucial link between the military and the public, which he said has ensured accountability and fostered mutual trust. He however, noted that challenges persist despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement. According to him, constant interaction with the media would help in addressing some of the challenges.
“Therefore, to foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, it is vital to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect.
“We must establish regular communication channels to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations and timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence.”
The Army authorities appealed to media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting military activities and balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information.
On his part, the Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Matthew Abo called for sustained harmonious collaboration between the media and the military to enhance unity, peace and development of the country.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Inspector -General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has bowed to pressure over the quit notice issued by popular Hotel owner, Euphemie Motel, with a direct order for the SWAT to quit the premises of the motel occupied inside Opu-Nembe in Nembe Bassambiri community of Nembe Local Government Area of the State.
The Order was issued following the threat to drag the IGP to Court over the alleged unpaid debt incurred by the Police SWAT team deployed from 12th of August, 2023 till date.
The lodging debt, according to the report, was incurred by the Police Special squad identified as SWAT led by one CSP Silas Adebayo for a reported sting operation in the Opu Nembe community ahead of the last Governorship elections in the area.
The SWAT team had allegedly invaded the Opu Nembe community and occupied the Euphemie Motel, turning it into their operational base without due permission from its owners.
The SWAT teams were allegedly drafted to the area on the request of the Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Governorship flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
The Counsel to the owner of the Euphemie Motel, Inemoye Maxwell Brown Esq. in a letter dated 9th of October, 2024, confirmed to newsmen in Yenagoa that the Nigerian Police, “as a respectable and responsible establishment has gracefully implemented on the prayer one as contained therein within the time frame provided as the SWAT team vacated our clients hotel on the 3rd day of October,2024”
Inemoye Maxwell Brown Esq however called on the Inspector-General of Police,Kayode Egbetokun and the top echelon of the Nigerian Police to attend, with utmost dispatch to the second prayer in the petition of the Client requesting for the sum of N625,000,000 only covering the above period from 12th August, 2023 to 12th September, 2024 be paid within six weeks upon receipt of the correspondence.
Recall that the popular Hotel owner, Euphemie Motel,had through his prayers informed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Chairman, Police Service Commission, stated that the 50-bedroom hotel with lodging fee of N25,000 per night and two conference rooms of N100,000 per day with indoor and outdoor relaxation spots, was occupied by the Police Personnel without payment for over 13 months.
According to Inemoye Maxwell Brown, “Our client’s business premises and the facilities are almost in complete ruin and a complete renovation is imminent. And it is imperative to restore their facilities with a view to return to normal business.”
“We therefore call on the Police IG to use his good office to direct your men and officers, who had forcefully moved into and occupied our client’s hotel as described from 12th of August, 2023 till date and counting in Opu Nembe to immediately vacate within six weeks upon receipt of this correspondence”
“That the sum of N625,000,000 only covering the above period from 12th August, 2023 to 12th September, 2024 be paid within six weeks upon receipt of the correspondence.”
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, reiterated commitment in its fight against activities of land grabbers in the city, with removal of illegal structures in Sabo Lugbe area of Abuja.
To this end, FCTA officials accompanied by joint security personnel stormed and removed about 10 buildings, mostly duplexes and bungalows at their different stages of completion in today at Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC), for development without approvals from relevant authorities on Thursday.
Director, Department of Development Control, FCT Administration, Mukhtar Galadima explained that this was in continuation of its reinvigorated enforcement exercise targeted at mitigating land use contraventions especially in notorious land grabbing spots in Lugbe, Idu Train Station which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi respectively.
Galadima recalled that sometimes back, there was caution over the issue of land grabbing, during which the government warned that it was going to bounce on land grabbers, so that to make sure that all the structures that are close to 50 structures (duplexes and bungalows) will be brought down.
According to him, “We are here for a removal exercise today at Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC). We just started with just about 10 structures, but tomorrow we are coming back in full swing
“And recall that sometimes back we warned that we are going to bounce on land grabbers. So this is in continuation of the enforcement exercise, which had started.
“We want to inform the general public that for any person to buy any property in Abuja, please ensure that it is rightly titled property with approved development plan, but failing to do so, you could fall into the hands of these land grabbers, and please don’t blame the FCTA.
“There are areas where these land grabbers are really having their feed day. They Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi area and Lugbe. And today we are in Lugbe, and we will continue as it is a continuous exercise. So, illegal developments will not be entertained.
“The people that are deceiving them that they are going to be integrated into the phase 5 of the FCC should be warned and bewared. There is nothing like integration. Illegality is illegality, and we will continue to remove them.”
On when the design and upgrading of the new phase 5 of the FCC into the Abuja Masterplan will be ready for use, the Director said: “I think the FCT Urban and Regional Planning is working hard on that.”
Niger Government has established the state Price Control and Monitoring Board, approved by Gov. Umaru Bago to ensure fair pricing and consumer protection.
Alh. Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger Government (SSG), inaugurated members of the board on Thursday in Minna.
The eight-member board has Alh.
Hussaini Ahmed, a former Permanent Secretary as the chairman.Usman noted that the inauguration of the board marked a significant step in the state’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing and consumer protection.
He said that the board was expected to control and stabilise prices of essential commodities and eradicate or reduce to the barest minimum, hoarding of essential commodities across the state.
He said that board would also handle issues that may arise as a result of enforcement and penalty for contravention of guidelines among several others.
“The board will be responsible for the distribution, monitoring and evaluation of essential commodities and keep price under continuous surveillance.
“They will also interpret price movement and relate them to other development in the State’s economy,” Usman said.
He said the board was expected to interface with relevant stakeholders such as local government chairmen, traditional institutions and councilors and well as market organisations to ensure the success of their mandate.
The SSG enjoined members of board to bring their wealth of experience and expertise in economics, consumer affairs and market dynamics to bear in their assignment.
He said that their appointment underscored the government’s dedication to maintaining economic stability and safeguarding the interests of both consumers and businesses in the state.
In his remarks, the board chairman, Ahmed, assured that the board would interface with relevant stakeholders within and outside the state in order to bring succour to the populace.
Other members of the board include Hamza Bello, Permanent Secretary, Investment, Aliyu Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Garba Abdullahi, from Ministry of Basic Education.
Also on the board are Adamu Maikasuwa, Ministry of Agriculture, DCP Aminu Garba, Nigeria Police, Niger Command, Aminu Ladan, Chairman, Chanchaga Local Government Area and Usman Liman, retired Statistician-General as Secretary of the Board. (NAN)
Police IGP Bow to Pressure, Order SWAT Team out of Occupied Hotel in Nembe
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Inspector -General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has bowed to pressure over the quit notice...
FCTA Demolishes Structures in Lugbe, FCC Phase 5
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, reiterated commitment...
AI Powerful Tool in Fight against Cyber Threats, Says
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama has said that the...
Judiciary Threat to Drmocracy, Jonathan, Fubara Cry out
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Former President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a swipe at the nation’s judiciary, accusing that arm of...
Niger Govt. Establish Price Control and Monitoring Board
Share Niger Government has established the state Price Control and Monitoring Board, approved by Gov. Umaru Bago to ensure fair...
FAAC: FG, States, LGs Share N1.298trn for September
ShareThe Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), has shared N1.298 trillion among the Federal Government, states, and the Local Government Councils...
Accident Claims 1, LASTMA Decries Non-compliance with Regulations
Share The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reiterated the importance of strict adherence to traffic laws, emphasising the...
Aradel, GTCO, others Drag Equity Market Down by N127bn
Share The equity market extended its losses on Thursday as the market capitalisation dropped by N127 billion, or 0.21 per...
Gov Fubara’s Judicial Panel a witch Hunt – Rivers APC Chair
Share Dr Tony Okocha, Acting Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), in Rivers, has described the Judicial Commission of Inquiry...
Wike, 27 Rivers Lawmakers not APC – APC Chairman
ShareDr Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), in Rivers, has said that FCT minister Nyesom Wike is not...