COVER
Face Nation’s Insecurity Headon, Nigerians Tell Service Chiefs
A broad spectrum of Nuherians yesterday heaved a sigh of relief as the presidency announced the resignation of the nation’s Military service chiefs.
Individuals and groups, had on several occasions called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the service chiefs on ground of mounting insecurity in different parts of the country.
President Buhari accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs and their retirement from service.in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Those involved were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen.
Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.In their places, Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, was appointed Chief of Defence Staff; Maj-Gen. I. Attahiru; Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo; Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao; Chief of Air Staff.
Good Omen for Security -Lagos PDP
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the replacement of Service Chiefs as a welcome development and victory for Nigerians.
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Taofik Gani made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the development was a good omen for a new approach, idea and strategy in tackling the nation’s numerous security challenges.
“It is a welcome development though long awaited, however, it is victory for Nigerians.
“We expect that we should have better security now and we also urge the out gone service chiefs to be ready to give more advice.
“They have done their best, only that their best was not enough and that was why they have been changed but they remain patriots,” Gani said.
The spokesman said that the new service chiefs should swing into action to douse security tensions across the country.
“We expect the new service chiefs to be best professionals, they should not be partisan. Their allegiance should be to Nigeria State especially this time.
“They have a lot to do. They are coming at a time when banditry, kidnapping and all other security threats are at the peak.
“So, they should be very professional to douse the security tensions for their record. If they can curb all these security threats within a very short time, they will not be forgotten,” Gani added.
Expert Commends Buhari’s Courage
The Director, Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, Prof.Isaac Albert, applauded President Buhari for the removal of Service Chiefs.
Albert said that Buhari had responded to the yearnings of Nigerians, adding that the removal of the service chiefs only would not solve the security challenges facing the country.
He urged the president to move to the next stage by addressing other challenges such as inadequate equipment and military personnel.
Albert also called on the military to improve on their relationship with the community they operate.
He said that war against terrorism and banditry cannot be won without winning the minds of the the people in communities the military operate.
Also speaking, a human rights lawyer, Mr Oladimeji Adebayo, said that the security situation in Nigeria would improve with the appointment of the new service chiefs.
Adebayo said the new service chiefs would bring new ideas that would improve the security situation in the country and would want to make impact.
“I think they are going to do their best and justify the confidence imposed on them by Nigerians.
“We expect improve security situation in the country now,” he said.
Fayose Canvasses Probe of Sacked Service Chiefs
Former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose has described the sack of Service Chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari as a “step in the right direction.”
He said the development was another victory for Nigerians, but called for probe of the former Service Chiefs, accusing them of lining their pockets.
In a tweets yesterday after the announcement, Fayose said: “Though coming after persistent pressure from Nigerians, President Buhari’s removal of the Service Chiefs and their replacement is a right step in the right direction. It is yet another victory for the people of Nigeria.
“The sacked Service Chiefs only served themselves and their pockets and can at best be described as “Disservice Chiefs” under whom Nigeria became completely insecure.
“It is my call to the ICC and other relevant authorities that tenure of the “sacked” Service Chiefs should be investigated, most importantly human rights abuses and extra judicial killings under their watch and commands.”
Senators Charge New Service Chiefs on security challenges
Senators have urged the new Service Chiefs to commence work immediately by addressing security challenges facing the country.
A cross section of senators interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja lauded the appointment of the new service chiefs.
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia), said the appointment had been long awaited.
“The appointment of new service chiefs is better late than never.
“We have been calling for this for a long time now.
“Let us hope that this team would stem the tide of insecurity,” he said.
Sen. Ahmed Babba Kaita (APC-Katsina), corroborated Abaribe’s claim saying that the appointment was in response to the yearnings of Nigerians.
“It is in response to the yearnings of Nigerians and I believe we are all good for it.
“It is a very good development and I want to believe that we are going to see a consolidation of the progress made so far because as you are all aware, in the last two months, the military have been recording successes both in the fight against Boko Haram and kidnappings.
“We are very grateful for this development and we expect nothing less from the incoming personnel. We expect them to be ready to take over and consolidate on the security gains so far made,” he said.
Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP-Anambra ) commended Buhari for the appointment of the service chiefs.
“I want to thank Mr President for yielding to the cries of Nigerians. I believe every journey has an end.
“The relieved service chiefs have done very well within their own capacity and Nigerians have for long yearned for a change which is one of the mantra of the current regime.
“It is only change that is permanent and haven done this, I want to thank the President and as well plead on the incoming service chiefs to commit their new posting toward the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“We need to have a better security infrastructure in our country,” Ubah said.
The New Service Chiefs
Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff
Major General Leo Irobor is from Agbor in Delta State. He was a member of the Regular Course 39 of the NDA.
He served as a Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Minna.
Major General Irabor also served as Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP) Defence Headquarters.
He served as the theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and headed the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as the Field Commander.
The trained engineer also served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.
Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff
He was appointed to lead the offensive against Boko Haram in the North-East in May 2017.
He was however redeployed by the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai after string of attacks by the insurgents, including after giving him a deadline in July to deliver Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau dead or alive within 40 days.
Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff
Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo was born on 22 April 1966 and hails from Nasarawa LGA in Kano State. He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy on 24 Sep 84 as a member of Regular Course 36 and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 24 Sep 88.
He is an Underwater Warfare specialist with a subspecialisation in Intelligence. The senior officer has attended several military courses which include, Sub-Technical course and Officers Long course both at NNS QUORRA. He also attended Junior Division 48/89 and Senior Course 26 both at AFCSC Jaji.
Other courses attended include the National Defence Course at the South African National Defence College. Until his recent appointment as the CNS, he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.
Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, was born on 14 September 1965 at Enugu. He hails from Oshogbo in LGA of Osun State.
He enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force on January 19, 1984 as a member of the 35 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He had previously served as Trainee/Squadron Pilot, NAF Unit 99 ACTG Kainji (1993-2004), Instructor Pilot/Squadron Pilot, 301 FTS Kaduna (2004-2007), Air Assistance to Chief of Air Staff, Deputy Defence Adviser, Nigerian High Commission London, Assistant Director of Operation Defence Headquarters, Director of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force.
Until his appointment as the Chief of Air Staff by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, AVM I. O Amao was the Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Lagos.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Tragedy struck in two Niger Communities as flash accompanied by heavy down pour that lasted for hours led to heavy flood that claimed 21 lives and washed away over 50 houses. The heavy down pour which started late on Wednesday, the 28th of May lasted till mid Thursday leaving behind tells of woes and deaths.
Niger State emergency management agency confirmed the deadly flood in a statement by the Director General Abdullahi Baba Ara on Thursday evening. ” NSEMA is in receipt of report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities of Tiffin maza and Anguwan hausawa in Mokwa town of Mokwa LGA” He disclosed that, the incidence occurred last night (Wednesday)during a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours.According to him, the surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.Tge Agency Director General disclosed that, ” in response the Agency, in collaboration with Mokwa LG Authority, local divers and very brave volunteers are conducting search and rescue operation to rescue survivors and recover corpses .” At present 3 servivors ( a woman and her 2 children) are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa general, while 21 corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly loss their lives in the incidence” Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Ara said over 10 persons are still missing as search and rescue operation is still ongoing.
By Andrew Oota , Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration’s economic reforms and policies were working for the progress of Nigeria and the good of all.
The President also stated that his administration would make life better for Nigerians acknowledging the sacrifices made so far, with a conviction that his vision for the country is clear.
Tinubu said this in a statement issued to commemorate the second anniversary of his administration on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
He stated that his administration had stabilised the nation’s economy, noting that “we are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks.
”He pointed out that , “Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to build a greater, more economically stable nation.
“Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.
“While implementing the reforms necessary to strengthen our economy and deliver shared prosperity, we have remained honest by acknowledging some of the difficulties experienced by our compatriots and families.
”We do not take your patience for granted. I must restate that the only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging naira, and an economy in a free-fall.
“Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress.”
The president further stated that he acknowledged the sacrifices many Nigerians have been making for the development of the country, adding: “Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges.
“By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold.
“The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.” He said.
By Eze Okechukwu and Ubong Ukpong,Abuja
House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024.The bills were passed at a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The development followed the adoption of the harmonised versions of the reform bills by both the House and the Senate. At plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives considered the report of the conference committee, which harmonised the bills. The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke (APC, Lagos), who headed the House team to the conference committee, presented the conference report to the House for consideration.According to him, the Conference Committee met and agreed on all areas of difference in the version passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. He stated that there were 45 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 12 areas of difference in the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, 9 areas of difference in the Joint Revenue Board Bill and 46 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Bill, adding that all grey areas were resolved ahead of the passage. While the conference committee agreed to retain the Senate version in some of the clauses, they also retained the House version in some others, making amendments in a few others. The conference committee agreed to the imposition of a 4 per cent development levy on the assessable profit of all companies chargeable to tax under Chapters 2 and 3, except small companies and non-resident companies. They also agreed that the levy shall be collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service and paid into a special account created for the same purpose.In the sharing formula, the committee agreed that 50 per cent of the tax would go to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 15 per cent to the Education Loan Fund (up from 3 per cent agreed by the House), and 8 per cent to the Nigeria Information Technology Development Fund.
Similarly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure is to get 8 per cent (down from 10 per cent earlier agreed by both chambers), the National Board for Technology Incubation is to get 4 per cent from the fund, defence and security infrastructure is to get 10 per cent while cyber security fund will get 5 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Fund, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and National Sports Development Fund were excluded from the list of beneficiaries passed by the House of Representatives.
The committee also adopted a new clause 158, which imposes a 5 per cent surcharge on chargeable fossil fuel products provided or produced in Nigeria and shall be collected at the time a chargeable transaction occurs.
The controversial Value Added Tax sharing formula was not part of the areas of disagreement between the two legislative chambers.
In his remarks, Kalu said the parliament has played its part in ensuring that the country moves forward, even as he urged the executive arm of government to do its part.
In his contribution, a member of the House representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Jaha warned those who will clean up the bill not to tamper with any of the clauses passed, saying “Where the T is not crossed, don’t cross it, where the I is not dotted, don’t do it. We have the original copies of the bills as passed before and after harmonisation.
“We have had cases in the past where those in charge of cleaning up the bills tamper with it and at the end of the day, the President will withhold assent. That must not happen.”
That said, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker singled out Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu for praise, saying, “I want to thank your leadership for the role you played in making these bills a success. I also want to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Abiodun Faleke. He showed that he is truly a good elder. He provided a lot of training for some of us, and I want to say that this is the way to go.”
In a related development, the Senate has approved the Rivers State 2025 budget for a second reading.
The budget, which totals ₦1,480,662,592,442 trillion, was presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday.
Bamidele explained that the Senate had assumed legislative powers over Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.
Supporting the motion, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan emphasised the urgency of passing the budget to ensure that the people of Rivers State feel the impact of governance.
He said, “Mr. President, I am not exactly sure under what title this document is categorised, but from what I can see, it pertains to a budget under the state of emergency. I hereby support its passage for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.”
With no opposition to the motion, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, conducted a voice vote and referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on Overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further legislative action.
Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key state officials, would appear before a Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to defend the state’s 2025 budget. NASS holds commemorate 25 years of democracy, holds joint session,
Also,President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has announced that a joint session of the National Assembly will be held on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.
He made the announcement after the upper chamber reconvened for plenary on Wednesday.
Akpabio revealed that the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro as well as the Chairman senate services, Senator Sunday Karimi will meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to finalize the programme of activities and coordinate arrangements for the special session.
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