NEWS
Jonathan, Ayu, PDP Governors, Others Swarm Bayelsa for Governor’s Anniversary Thanksgiving
From Tayese Mike, Yenagoa
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his inclusive approach to governance and his reverence for God.
Speaking at the Ecumenical Centre in Yenagoa, during the second anniversary thanksgiving of the Governor Diri administration, Dr.
He tasked Diri to use the God-given opportunity as governor to better the lot of people of the state.The former president also commended him for encouraging peaceful co-existence of Bayelsans from across party lines and prayed God to give him the wisdom to bring more development to people of the state.
His words: “God has given you opportunity to pilot the affairs of the state and you are doing well. I thank you for encouraging peaceful co-existence. We pray that you have the wisdom to bring more development. All of us should continue to support him and through him God will bless us.”
In his remarks, Governor Diri said he will forever be thankful to God for what He has done for him and the state.
Diri recalled how trying the few hours before his swearing in were and how God miraculously turned things around for his good.
He called on people of the state to unite and shun divisive politics, stressing that it is the only way Bayelsa can move forward.
He said: “What we have done is to come back to remind ourselves that we started something, which is growing. At a point when the flags of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were taken out of the Government House, when the former governor was almost arrested in Government House, we hoped in God who rules in the affairs of men. In the end, the God of impossibility made it possible and today marked two years of that miracle.
“My dear people of Bayelsa, I like you to retrospect and see how far God has brought us. Let us live as one people. Let us forgive one another. Let us come together to develop our state. Let us shun politics of lies and blackmail.
“Today, we are here to thank God. For these two years, if we count our blessings, we will all agree that God has been faithful to us. Therefore, we have every reason to be gathered here to thank Him.
“Politics is here again and the antics have started. But like I always say, when they bring hatred, we bring love. When they bring darkness, we bring light.
“I like to call on all of us not to run down our state but to support it. We have existed before APC and PDP.”
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party’s governors were in the state to rejoice with their colleague and people of the state for what God has done for them.
He commended Diri for his strides in office so far and urged him to continue to work for the development of the state.
Also speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, said time had proven that the party performed creditably at the presidency, saying the change mantra that the opposition sold to Nigerians has had no positive impact.
While noting that all the PDP governor were being celebrated, Ayu also lauded Diri and other past PDP governors of the state for contributing their quota to its development.
Earlier, in a sermon, General Overseer of Gateway International Church, Pastor George Izunwo, who preached on thanksgiving, emphasised the need for humans to cultivate the habit of appreciating God.
He remarked that God did not perform the miracle for Diri to become governor without a purpose, stressing that the governor should stay focused and work for the prosperity of all Bayelsans.
Other governors present at the thanksgiving were Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom as well as former Bayelsa governor and now Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Chief Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, members of the House of Representatives from the state and some of their colleagues, and other top government functionaries.
NEWS
Yuletide: Kogi CP Orders Watertight Security
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, Bethrand Onuoha has ordered for a watertight Security across the State throughout the Yuletide period and beyond.
He gave the order while briefing members of the Command Management Team as well as Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters, Lokoja, on Monday.
The CP further disclosed that the Command has adopted comprehensive crime prevention and control strategies in ensuring adequate security of life and property throughout the Yuletide.
He assured the people of the State of sustained efforts by the Command in synergy with other Security Agencies in fighting Crimes and criminality as well as improving public safety and security across the State.He charged the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and their supervisory Area Commanders to deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, residential and vulnerable points, places of worship and other places of interest. Also to carry out undercover operations to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots to nip in the bud all forms of crime and criminality across the State and to make sure that detection of crimes are prompt to serve as effective deterrent to all criminals.
The CP, while assuring the good people of Kogi State of adequate security measures in place, urged them to remain security conscious throughout the Yuletide period, and to report any suspicious movement or activities within their community. Noting that, the public has a critical role to play in sustaining the peace in their community through effective collaboration with the Police and other Security Agencies by way of sharing information and intelligence that will assist in crime control and management.
He however, calls on Parents to caution their Children and Wards not to fall victims of playing knockouts, as anybody caught causing trouble will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
To this end, the Commissioner of Police hereby advises all Law-abiding Kogites to go about their lawful businesses without fear and warns that the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of Law against persons who take Laws into their hands.
NEWS
Niger Police Provide Financial Succor to Killed, Injured Officers
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman has on behalf of the Niger State Government visited and presented a cheque of a million naira for support to an injured Police officer, Alkali Yohanna attached to 12 mobile Police force Minna, who among others had an encounter with suspected bandits around Shadadi village, Mariga LGA on October 24, 2024.
The gallant officer was shot on the leg and he has been receiving treatment at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna.
In a statement by Wasiu Abiodun said the relief package was provided by Niger State Government.
“Similarly, the same kind gesture is extended to the family of late ASP Nuhu Ibrahim attached to 61pmf Kontagora who unfortunately lost his life on 23rd October, 2024 while on routine patrol with others along Kotonkoro-Bangi road.
“He and his team came under attack by bandits. A cheque of one million, five hundred thousand naira was provided for the family.
The police Command Spokesman said the gesture was not limited to the Police personnel alone, but also to three other vigilante members who were injured or paid the supreme price during service to humanity.
It has been the practice of the Niger State Government, that during any clearance or rescue operations to restore peace in our society, and if any of the personnel is injured or lost his life, such financial gestures and appreciation are provided to support the victims.
The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Umar Bago and the State Executive Council for extending such hands of fellowship to the personnel of the Command, most especially in this period of Yuletide to put a smile on their faces and ameliorate their sufferings.
He asserted that such a gesture will continue to encourage the men to do more for the State, and assured of the continued commitment and dedication of the Police Command to the maintenance of law and Order, and protection of lives and property in Niger State.
NEWS
FG Declares Public Holidays for Christmas, New Year
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, Thursday and Jan.1, 2025 as public holidays.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.
According to Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the public holidays were to enable citizens to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year respectively.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the Minister.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and to strengthen bonds across families and communities.
He assured citizens of the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
He further expressed confidence in the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration for a better and prosperous economy in 2025.
The Minister, on behalf of the federal government sent warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.(NAN)