Connect with us

COVER

Police Commissioners Execute Orders Ahead of Protest

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

Now that it has become apparent that appeals to the public to shelve the planned nationwide protest tagged #Endbadgovernanceinnigeria next month are not heeded, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has orders on how to contain the action are fully implemented in the states across Nigeria.

Commissioners of police have since Monday been issuing out directives to officers in their commands on how to deal with the situation.
Both the police and other security agencies, including the military and the Department of State Service (DSS), have issued warnings against protests resembling the recent demonstrations in Kenya.Despite appeals from politicians urging youths to abandon the planned rallies, many young people remain determined to proceed with the protests.
Egbetokun, therefore bowed to pressure on Monday and directed police top brass to protect intending participants of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.The IGP had last week requested the names and other details of intending participants of the protest as a condition to protect demonstrators but many Nigerians immediately rejected such a condition.The police subsequently said having such details is standard procedure to ensure the safety of all participants and prevent any unlawful activities.The IGP, in a letter addressed to human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN on Monday, directed police commanders to protect protesters nationwide. CP orders massive deployment of personnel in DeltaPolice command in Delta has deployed police personnel across the state ahead of the planned Aug. 1. nationwide protestIn a statement on Tuesday in Asaba, the command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe said the deployment was on the order of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda.Edafe said that undercover detectives had also been deployed to identify those who might take advantage of the protest to be violent.“In view of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Aug.1 to Aug.10, Abaniwonda has ordered a massive deployment of personnel in the state.“The order is in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.“IGP also ordered that all organisers of the protest should give details of their activities to their respective state police commands for security arrangement,” Edafe said.The command spokesperson listed the required details to include the proposed protest assembling point and routes and expected duration of the protest.According to him, the organisers are also to submit the names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers, as well as measures to prevent hijack by criminal elements.

Katsina Command collaborates with the militaryThe Police Command in Katsina State has expressed readiness to maintain law and order during the protest.The spokesman of the command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu said on Monday in Katsina that the command has been keenly paying attention to developments surrounding the planned protest.“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa recognised the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and ensured that it didn’t compromise public safety and security or infringe on the rights of others.“Therefore, the commissioner deemed it necessary to hold a strategic meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, to strategise and reinforce existing security measures to maintain law and order,” he said.According to Sadiq-Aliyu, the Command in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, is fully prepared to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the protest.He said that command has adopted proactive measures for robust response to potential disruptions, scaled up patrols and surveillance, and deployment of specialised units trained in crowd control and de-escalation techniques.“All groups planning to participate in the protest should provide the command with proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of protest leaders as well as the organisers.“And also designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities“By providing this information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety,” he said. Oyo CP meets traditional rulers, transporters, studentsCommissioner of Police in Oyo State Ayodele Sonubi has said the command is ready to provide adequate protection to peaceful and lawful protesters in the state.Sonubi stated this on Monday in Ibadan during a stakeholders’ meeting on the command’s preparedness toward the planned nationwide protest.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, transport unions, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), among others.Osinubi said that the police in the state acknowledged the undebatable right of the citizens to engage in peaceful protest, which must not, however, turn violent.He said, “When a protest turns violence, it is criminal to the police at that point and we will need to deal with the situation as it arises.“There is no law enforcement agency that will allow criminality to have its way. The moment it turns violent, the law will turn its face and act appropriately.”Sonubi said that the damage and destruction done to the citizens and the police during the 2020 EndSARs protest was still fresh in the memories of Nigerians.He called on the organisers of the protest to show their identities and approach the police on the route of the protest and other plans, for adequate protection.Mr Olojede Victor, Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Student Affairs and the South-West Coordinator of NANS, Mr Alao John, said they were doing everything possible to ensure that no protest was held in the state.The duo assured of peaceful protest, if any, in the state and expressed their readiness to engage government for the unity, peace and development of the country.The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekin Abass and the Deputy Secretary, Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), Mr Alimi Aremu said their members would not participate in the protest.The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Ariori Asimiyu, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians, adding, however, that violent protest would not solve the problem.Olakulehin called on the citizens to channel their grievances to the right quarters and called on the Federal Government to address the myriad of problems confronting the country.

Police in A’Ibom task organisers on detail of activities

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer Timfon John on Monday in Uyo urged planners of the protest to submit details of the exercise to the command for effective security arrangements.Ayilara said that the call was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police which mandated police commands across the country to endure adequate security during the protest.“Furnishing the command with details about the protest will enable the police to make adequate security arrangements,” he said.The commissioner of police cautioned the organisers and those planning to participate in the protest on the possibility of hoodlums to hijack the process. Enugu CP reminds protesters of Public Order ActThe Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu has warned against planned acts of violence and breach of public peace by individuals or groups in the name of protest.The commissioner gave the warning in a statement issued on his behalf by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Daniel Ndukwe on Monday in Enugu.The police commissioner noted that the protest should be cancelled considering available intelligence revealing plans of criminal elements to infiltrate and hijack the planned protest.According to him, hoodlums who are planning to hijack the protest will definitely unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens and property in the state.“Following the trending planned nationwide protest, there exists intelligence that some hoodlums, as experienced during the violent “End SARS” protests, intend to attack fellow citizens, destroy property and perpetrate acts of looting.“However, with the collaborative commitment of the police and other security forces; we will deal decisively with such criminal elements,” he said.The commissioner cautioned those intending to carry out the planned protests in Enugu State to find reasons to shelve the plans, given the available intelligence and seek alternative peaceful means to express their grievances.Uzuegbu noted that proceeding with the idea of the planned protest, the organisers would be required to strictly adhere to existing laws, particularly the Public Order Act. Organisers unveil venuesA pro-democracy civic organization, the Take-It-Back Movement, has written Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting police coverage for their protests to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants.The group also unveiled eight venues for public events, including meetings, rallies, and processions, aiming to ensure these events are conducted peacefully and without incident.Counsel to the protest organisers, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), yesterday wrote the IGP requesting contact information of senior police officials, including Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police.The letter stated, “We act as solicitors to the Take It Back Movement, and refer to our letter on the above subject-matter dated July 26, 2024 and your response thereto dated July 29, 2024, Ref. CJ:2400/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.1/10, which we have passed to our Client with instructions to respond thereto as follows.“Please find below the details of some of the points of convergence for the said public meetings, rallies and processions.

“1. ABUJA: Eagle’s Square, by the Secretariat, FCT, Abuja.

“2. LAGOS: Alausa Park by the Secretariat, Ikeja.

“3. BENIN: Opposite Wema Bank, Akpakpava Lane, Benin City.“4. BAUCHI: Opposite School of Agric, Bauchi, along Tafawa Balewa Road.“5. IBADAN: Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan.“6. YOBE: Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State.“7. RIVERS: Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium.“8. OSHOGBO: Freedom Park, Osogbo.”Following this letter, Egbetokun invited Adegboruwa to a meeting to his office yesterday.The last minute effortsIn the countdown to the month of protest, both the federal and state governments have been making overt and covert moves to stop the action.Public and private organisations, pressure groups and individuals were engaged to spread the No Protest message.However, it seems all this will not help. Apart from unknown groups, prominent Nigerians including renowned politicians appear to be giving support to the plan.

COVER

Yahaya Bello to Spend Christmas, New Year in Kuje Prison

Published

on

Share

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.

29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.

The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.

The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.

Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.

“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.

Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.

“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.

“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”

She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.

He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.

Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.

He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority

“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”

Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”

Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.

Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.

Continue Reading

COVER

Middle Belt Group Tasks FG on Resettlement, Safety of IDPs

Published

on

Share

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.

The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.

Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.

The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.

“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.

“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.

The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.

“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.

“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.

The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.

He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.

He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.

The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies. 

“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts. 

“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.

“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.

“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative. 

“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.

Continue Reading

COVER

Recapitalisation: SEC Charges Banks to Strengthen Corporate Governance

Published

on

Share

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.

The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.

Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests

He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.

The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.

In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”

He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.

To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.

According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.

He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.

 “Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.

“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.

Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.

He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.

“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.

“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”

Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.

He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being  mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.

Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.

On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.

He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.

He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.

Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.

She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.

The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS9 hours ago

Yuletide: Bode George Urges Tinubu to Reduce Petrol Price

ShareChief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to...

NEWS9 hours ago

Tinubu Set for Groundbreaking of Renewed Hope City in Lagos 

Share President Bola Tinubu, is set to perform the  groundbreaking of 2,000 housing units of the Renewed Hope City in...

NEWS9 hours ago

Gov. Alia Presents N550.1bn as 2025 Budget Estimate to Benue Assembly 

ShareGov. Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday presented the sum of N550.1bn as the 2025 appropriation bill to the Benue State House...

NEWS9 hours ago

Tax Bills: NASS will not Betray the Trust of Nigerians, says Akpabio

Share The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, says the National Assembly will prioritise the interest of all Nigerians...

NEWS9 hours ago

Alia Has Demonstrated Capacity, Courage to Entrench Good Governance—Speaker 

Share The Speaker, Benue Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajo, has said that Gov. Hyacinth Alia has so far demonstrated capacity, courage,...

Economy9 hours ago

Investors Gain N183bn on NGX

Share The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) continued its bullish trend on Wednesday, gaining N183 billion. Accordingly, the market capitalisation, which...

NEWS9 hours ago

Energy, Solid Minerals Top Priority, Tinubu Tells German Businessmen

Share President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, assured the German government and businessmen of Nigeria’s preparedness to expand frontiers for investors...

NEWS9 hours ago

Nigerian Who Wrote WASSCE 17 Times Bags Distinction from London School 

Share Dr Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who wrote the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education 17 times, has earned a...

POLITICS9 hours ago

INEC Staff Welfare Association Warns Members Against Manipulating Election Results

Share The Abia Chapter of the INEC Staff Welfare Association (ISWA) has warned its members to uphold the integrity of...

NEWS9 hours ago

Bill for Compulsory Counselling, Training of Convicts Scales 2nd Reading

ShareA bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, has successfully passed its second reading in...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc