NEWS
Benue Needs a Naval Base, Says Gov. Alia
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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called for the establishment of a naval base in the state to boost security. He said the establishment of a naval base would foster closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in Benue.Alia requested for “a Nigerian Navy Type A Operation Base in Makurdi ‘ during his visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, in Abuja.
The governor lamented the security challenges confronting the state, saying that many communities are under siege, people are living in fear and threatened by criminal elements, particularly armed herders and bandits. He said these criminals exploited the absence of security along Benue waterways to infiltrate and perpetrate heinous crimes against defenseless innocent residents.Alia said:”The situation demands urgent action, and it is in this spirit of urgency that I am here to appeal to the Nigerian Navy to consider establishing a Type “A” Operational Base in Makurdi, Benue State, along the River Benue. “Such a strategic move is not just a necessity, but a moral imperative to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens and to restore peace and security to our communities.”Alia said in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, that River Benue is one of the two major inland waterways in Nigeria running from the Nigerian-Cameroon Border to its confluence with River Niger at Lokoja. He said the river, though an inland waterway, is critical to Nigeria’s drive towards maximizing her Blue Economy potentials and enhancing national development. Alia said an enhanced security along River Benue and the adjoining coastal communities and waterways is critical to achieving the developmental aspiration. The governor lamented that the security situation along the river and its adjoining communities has largely remained volatile due to the absence of operational Naval presence along the River. He said: “Bandits have been exploiting the absence of security along the waterways to infiltrate and kill defenseless innocent civilians in Benue State without any resistance. “For instance, In April last year, no fewer than 400 innocent civilians were reportedly killed by bandits across Benue State in the space of three weeks.“Most of these attacks occurred because the bandits exploited the absence of naval presence along the waterways to attack adjoining coastal communities in Logo, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Agatu LGAs of Benue State.”Alia added: “Benue State, with its extensive network of waterways, has become a fertile ground for criminal activities. These criminals, emboldened by the lack of security presence along our rivers, roam freely, spreading terror and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. It is time for us to take a stand and say enough is enough.“By establishing a Naval base in Makurdi, the Nigerian Navy would not only assert its commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians, but also send a clear message to these criminal elements that their reign of terror will no longer be tolerated. “The presence of a Naval base would serve as a formidable deterrent, disrupting the activities of criminals and restoring a sense of security to our communities.”Alia said the establishment of a Naval base in Makurdi would not only bolster the security architecture of Benue State, but also enhance the Navy’s capacity for swift response to security breaches. He said with a dedicated operational base in the heart of the state, the Nigerian Navy would be better positioned to deploy resources, conduct patrols and apprehend perpetrators, thereby ensuring that justice is served and our communities are protected.He said: “We can leverage our collective expertise and resources to effectively combat criminal networks, dismantle their operations and bring them to justice.“Makurdi, the Benue State Capital is currently home to the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS), with a Sickbay and Barracks established to support the School. “However, the NNPRS is not an Operations Base but a training institution. Hence, it is not equipped with the requisite manpower, gunboats, operational vehicles and most importantly the mandate to conduct operations to support the Benue State Government in addressing the security challenges in the State. It is therefore necessary for the Benue State Government to liaise with Naval Headquarters for the establishment of a Type ‘A’ Operations Base in Makurdi.“As a demonstration of our total commitment to the partnership between the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Navy, we have processed papers for the allocation of land and are already making compensations for the permanent site of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS) in Makurdi.”Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff appreciated the Governor for the visit and thanked him for providing land for them for smooth operation in the state, and assured him of his visit and support to tackle the insecurity challenges in the state.NEWS
Ajuri, Tinubu’s Spokesperson Takes Exit, Cites Mesical Reaaona
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Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”NEWS
Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Fault Tinubu’s Economic Team, Want Immediate Reconstitution
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By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.NEWS
Tension in Makurdi Community as NAF Personnel Demolishes Houses, Destroys Rice Farm
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There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.