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Osinbajo Disowns Comments on Spate of Kidnapping in Nigeria

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Nigeria Vice President Professor Yemi Osibanjo
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With a view to putting the records straight, t he presidency, hereby released the exact words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the rate of kidnapping in Nigeria

Osinbajo, who spoke in New York while addressing some Nigerians as part of his official visit to the US, stated in a statement by his spokesperson as claiming that cases of kidnapping were being exaggerated.

“I don’t think the problem (kidnapping) is as massive as that” the presidency quotes Mr Osinbajo as saying:

Nowhere was the word exaggerated used

Our attention has been drawn to misleading reports in a section of the media purportedly made by and attributed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on the security situation in Nigeria, in New York.

For the purpose of clarity, and the records it is pertinent to state that Prof. Osinbajo was entirely misquoted and his words taken out of context in the said media reports especially those that quoted him as saying that “Kidnapping in Nigeria is exaggerated and not entirely new”

Nowhere in the Vice President’s remarks at the townhall meeting with the Nigerian community did he use the word “exaggerated,” not even by implication.

His remarks about the social media being hysterical was a general response to comments made by participants at the meeting about information on happenings in Nigeria especially as they relate to security being shared on social media platforms by unverified sources.

What the VP Said

According to the Vice President “I really will urge that you don’t rely entirely for information on social media. I think that the social media tends to be hysterical about practically everything.

“I think there is also a lot of politics involved in some of the information as it comes up. I think it is also important to point out that this new wave of issues of security came immediately after the elections. And there is always a connection between this issue of security and elections because many times, politicians’ arm several of these individuals during the electioneering period, and immediately after an election cycle, many of them, having nothing to do and with arms all over the place, resort to the fastest way of making money which is to abduct somebody and ask for a ransom. And that is just one side of the problem.

“But let me dimension it so that you can really understand it better.

“When people say there is security problem here and there, it is not one thing, it is several different things but if it is described as one thing then it will look bigger than it really is. And I am deeply worried about the fact that we might find ourselves unable to resolve these problems unless we drill down to see what the problems are.”

“With respect to general kidnapping which we have seen in certain parts of the country, again this is not entirely new. When you listen to some of the stories, some of them are simply not true anyway. Some are fueled by politics, but there are cases of kidnapping, there is no question at all about that….and every story we try to track and trace. When you track them, you find out that people just tell some stories, but the truth anyway is that there is kidnapping in places where it has taken place. The way to check it is the work we are doing with State governments namely using technology to track cases. These are economic crimes; if people know that they will be caught, and they will not be allowed to get away with their loot, it will stop in the places where it is taking place. That is really the work we are doing with the State governments. We are doing this in the various zones where we see that there are a rash of incidents. We are trying to put in place trackers and all sorts of other equipment that can be used to locate these criminals.

“I am not so sure how many follow the number of arrests that have been made in different state police commands, several have been made. I don’t think the problem is as massive as that, I think we can deal with the question of kidnapping quite easily. I am sure that not so long a time, the news will be a lot better in terms of kidnapping and we will feel more comfortable about life at home.”

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Stakeholders Forum Reaffirms Support for PAP Administrator Otuaro

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By Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Critical Stakeholders Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has passed a vote of confidence in the Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis B. Otuaro, reaffirming their strong belief in his competence, visionary leadership, and dedication to transforming the programme.

In a press release signed by Chief Reuben C.
Wilson, Chairman of the Forum, the group described Dr.
Otuaro as a blessing to the PAP and the entire Niger Delta region.They commended his efforts in repositioning and sanitizing the programme to effectively fulfill its core mandate of rehabilitating, training, and reintegrating former agitators.The Forum noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a renewed focus, with increased transparency, accountability, and results-driven implementation.
His reforms, they said, have transformed the Amnesty Programme into a more productive and impactful initiative.The group strongly condemned recent criticisms against Dr. Otuaro, which they characterized as baseless, politically motivated, and detrimental to the progress of the PAP.They specifically addressed statements made by Owusu Owupele and his group, urging them to conduct a thorough and objective assessment of the Administrator’s policies before making public commentary.They called on Owupele and his associates to tender an unreserved apology for what they described as malicious and unfounded allegations.“It is disheartening to witness deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of an administrator who has shown uncommon commitment to the wellbeing of the Niger Delta,” the statement read. “High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro has restored integrity and focus to the PAP. He deserves encouragement, not vilification.” The Forum emphasized that while criticism is a legitimate part of democratic governance, it must be constructive, factual, and devoid of bitterness and political sentiments. They warned that unfounded attacks can demoralize public servants and undermine national development efforts.Reiterating their unwavering support, the Forum called on all well-meaning Niger Deltans and beneficiaries of the PAP to unite behind Dr. Otuaro’s vision. They stressed that the success of the programme is in the collective interest of the region and the country at large.“A stable, peaceful, and productive Niger Delta is essential for national progress,” the statement concluded. “We urge all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for Dr. Otuaro to continue his remarkable work. Let us focus on building, not destroying.

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Governor Bassey Otu Flags Off Akamkpa Electrification Project, Reaffirms People-First Agenda

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Akamkpa electrification network, stretching from Awi to Uyanga, in a major step toward restoring power to the area.Represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA), Mr.

Francis Ekpo, Governor Otu’s administration reiterated its commitment to providing basic infrastructure and improving the quality of life in rural communities across the state.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony, Mr. Ekpo explained that the rehabilitation marks a complete overhaul of the collapsed power network in the region, as directed by the Governor.
He emphasized that the project is part of a broader statewide push to restore electricity and accelerate development in underserved areas.“The Governor is fully committed to ensuring that communities like Awi and Uyanga are not left behind in the state’s development drive,” Mr. Ekpo said. “His Excellency has approved the complete rehabilitation of this power line, and work will commence immediately.”The Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hon. Felix Akposi, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his leadership and responsiveness. He described the electrification project as a long-awaited intervention and thanked the Governor for delivering on one of his key campaign promises.“This administration has shown sincerity and action. We, the people of Akamkpa, are grateful and fully in support of the Governor’s vision for development,” Hon. Akposi stated.Also speaking, the Member representing Akamkpa I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Okon Owuna, praised the Governor for what he called “unprecedented fulfillment” of promises made during the campaign period.“From establishing the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa to the construction of strategic roads and now this electrification project, His Excellency is delivering real impact,” Hon. Owuna said. “We, as a people, remain grateful and will continue to stand with this government.”The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo, and Chairman of the State House of Assembly Commission, Hon. Victor, were also present at the flag-off. Both officials commended the Governor’s people-centered governance approach and pledged continued support from their offices.The youth, women, and student representatives took turns to express their readiness to safeguard the infrastructure and support the ongoing development in their communities. The Youth Leader particularly promised that the youths would work with local authorities to prevent any form of vandalism or sabotage of the rehabilitated power infrastructure.

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Police,NSIEC Partners On Security Management Ahead Of Council Polls

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna.

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman has assured the Niger State Independent Electoral commission of its readiness to provide adequate security during the forthcoming local government election.The State Polic Commissioner gave the assuance when he received the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission led by the Chairman, Engr.

Mohammed Jubril Imam and his entourage on a courtesy visit to the State Police Headquarters Dutsen-Kura, Minna today 28th May, 2025.
In his remarks, the Chairman appreciated the Commissioner of Police for the warm reception accorded to him and his members.He asserted that he had come to brief the CP of their mandate, and also seek for assistance to achieve their responsibility of conducting free, fair and peaceful local government elections in over five hundred polling units in the State.
He pointed out that the importance of the Police in election security management cannot be overemphasized, as the election is scheduled to hold on 1st November, 2025. He noted 26th May as the last day of unveiling the list of candidates while campaign commenced on 27th May till 31st October, 2025.The Commissioner of Police Commissioner assured the Chairman of collaboration for a peaceful electioneering process, being the lead agency on internal security matters and election security duty.He explained that the Police and other security agencies in the State would be ready to provide necessary security coverage required.The CP reemphasized that the Police would not be partisan, but shall create a conducive environment for a peaceful process, as he reassured the Commission of the Police willingness to assist in achieving the task ahead.

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