NEWS
Gov Diri reject APC overtures, reaffirm commitment to PDP
From Tayese Mike, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has rejected the alleged overture by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for him to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he “is going nowhere and more committed to the PDP”.
· According to him, though he expressed appreciation to the APC for acknowledging that his administration is performing in Bayelsa State in terms of development and good governance, the call for him to dump PDP is unfortunate, provoking and unwelcome.
· A one-time Deputy Governor of the State, Rt.
Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi had at the weekend during a stakeholder meeting of the APC in Ekeremor Local Government called on the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to dump the PDP which he described as a sinking ship.· But Governor Douye Diri, through his Director News Media, Mr. Kola Oredipe, declared that he remain a strong, committed and one of the leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in the country and has no reason leaving the party to another platform now or in the near future.
According to the statement, signed by Kola Oredipe, described the calls from the APC leaders as unfortunate, provoking and unwelcome, “It will be a political suicide to leave the only party that exist in Bayelsa state, to join a party that has no root, no structure”.
“Ebebi, must be a joker. We know him for many acts of theatrics and at this time too, it is not different. He has confessed that the Governor is not doing badly meaning that the PDP is on the right track, why then go to join a party that has taken Nigeria many years back?, Oredipe asked.
The media aide to the Governor wondered if Ebebi was not aware of high profile members of the opposition APC who have since joined the PDP and aligned with the vision of the Prosperity Government for a united and greater Bayelsa State.
He said, “Where was Ebebi all these months when many chieftains dumped his APC to return home in PDP. He knows APC ranks have been heavily depleted and that is why he is calling on them to return. It is too late. We have accommodated them in the PDP.”
· “We know Ebebi is not a fulfilled man where he is. It is him that will come back to the PDP. For now, he has no electoral values in his community, Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area. This much came out clear in the Bayelsa West Senatorial election he contested late last year where he lost woefully. My conclusion on his comment is that he must be looking for relevance in his new party.”
Oredipe, noted that the rising political profile and general acceptability of Governor Diri, was giving Ebebi and his co-travelers headache, ahead of the 2023 elections because no one in the APC would have the capacity to stop the re-election of the governor.
· He stated that Ebebi should be reminded that only recently the people of his constituency in Aleibiri under the leadership of Hon. Tari Porri, member representing Ekeremor 1 in the State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence on His Excellency for his developmental efforts.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
In its concerted effort at combating insecurity, the Nigeria Police Force has now authorized that all Constables will henceforth carry arms to combat insecurity.The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7 Abuja, Benneth Igweh stated this while on an official visit to Niger that everyone now has the power to make an arrest.
According to him “Community Policing is everyone’s business, we have granted all Police Constables the power to carry arms henceforth. ”We have given them two weeks to get trained by the l SPU, CTU or Mobile base; and this will give them the ability to carry out their duties.”According to him “With the rate of crime in our various communities, everyone now has the right to make an arrest. If you see something say something, and then the Police including the community will do something”The Assistant inspector GeneralofPolice, Igweh explained that, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has assured that there will be recruitment into the Police, adding that Niger and Abuja will get more slots.Niger state Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman said the AIG’s visit is a practical initiative to enhance Community Policing.He added that “crime rate is relatively low compared to previous antecedents due to the crime prevention strategies employed since my assumption in office.”However, he said that “insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and farmers/herders clash are prevailing challenges at Munya, Mariga, Rafi, Shiroro, and parts of Kontagora LGAs because of our neighborhood with Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states”.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in the North-western part of the country.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on military operations on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba stated that the new terror group originated in the Republic of Niger after the recent coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. He explained that the terrorists began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly following the coup in Niger.According to him, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, previously in place before the coup, had kept the terrorists at bay.He said, “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some north-western states to spread their ideology.“The terrorists were initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions. However, the movement was not reported to the military and security agencies.”The DHQ spokesperson assured that troops have sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to degrade the terrorists.He added that the group continued to exploit vast ungoverned areas to hide, evade troops, and harass locals but stated that troops were locating and eliminating the threat.Buba also revealed that the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in October.He said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.Buba said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).According to him, troop operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.“During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East, conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group in several states killing 40 terrorists, apprehended 55 suspects and rescuing 35 kidnapped hostages.According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States.“Troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has commiserated with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen Bola Tinubu over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.
In a statement signed by his media team from uphill, Minna on Thursday. His death, especially at this point in his life and career, is not only a profound loss to his immediate family but to our country as a whole. ”He was a fine officer and a dedicated leader of men whose sense of patriotism was exemplary”His vigorous effort at the frontline of the war to end banditry and insurgency has already borne good fruits, and it is unfortunate that he would not be around to see it through””Gen Babangida’s heart goes out to his beloved family, his officers and men, and the country that has once again lost a gallant army chief”He was one of the finest in the tradition of his brilliant predecessors. May his soul Rest In Perfect Peace”As the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to make the necessary sacrifice to safeguard our democracy, our territorial integrity, and our safetyHe joins other citizens in applauding the courage of their exemplary heroes.
Insecurity: Nigeria Police Force Constables to Bear Arms
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna In its concerted effort at combating insecurity, the Nigeria Police Force has now authorized that all...
New Terrorists Group Emerges in Sokoto, Others – DHQ
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in...
Gen. Babangida Commiserates with Nigerians over Lagbaja
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has commiserated with the President and Commander in Chief...
NESG, Tourism Stakeholders Meet to Validate Draft National Tourism Policy
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja Key stakeholders from Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors convened in Lagos for a pivotal validation...
Mutfwang Condole with Tinubu, Nigerian Army over Lagbaja’s Demise
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has extended his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian...
Niger Procures Five Mega Metal Boats to Curb Incessant Boat Mishap
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna Worried by the incessant boat mishaps that has claimed several lives over the years, Niger state...
FUTH Lafia to Provide Early Breast Cancer Treatment as TotalEnergies Donates Mammography
ShareFrom Abel Zwànke, Lafia In a major healthcare boost for Nasarawa State, TotalEnergies in partnership with other stakeholders has donated...
Another Blackout as National Grid Collapses Second Time in Two Days
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja As Nigerians await full power restoration, the national grid has collapsed once again.The national grid collapsed...
FG Defends CNG Vehicle Safety Amid Malaysia’s Phase-out plan
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Presidency has sought to allay concerns regarding the safety of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles, recently...
Media Group Confers Lifetime Patron Award on Ogbodo for Community Devt
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja In a ceremony that underscored his dedication to humanity and his community, Medical Director of Lydia...