NEWS
Group Faults Call for Resignation of DSS Boss
A Civil Society Organization, Save Nigerian Movement (SNM) has said the recent call for the sack of the Director General of the Department of State Security (DGSS) Mr. Yusuf Magagi Bichi was the handiwork of high profile criminal suspects, who were under prosecution various crimes of multiple dimensions.
Describing such calls as a desperate bid by criminal elements to hoodwink Nigerians and curry public sympathy against the service in particular and the federal government in general.In a statement by its Convener, Rev. Solomon Semaka, SNM noted that the call was a reckless ploy and afterthought deployed by powerful criminal suspects undergoing trial in line with the rule of law.
“These individuals have resorted to smear campaign against the federal government apparently in a bid to evade justice and stamp their feet and take control of the system “
“These high profile and very powerful criminal syndicates already in custody have deployed their enormous financial war chest in a battle of vendatta against the service at the detriment of national security and Nigerians.
“As a frontline Civil Society Organisation committed to promoting democracy and societal values, we deem it necessary to condemn the purported call for the sack of the leadership of the DSS and threats of a nationwide protests by those we consider as crisis entrepreneurs who always avail themselves to be bought by wealthy criminals at the detriment of Nigerians.
“It is troubling that some Nigerians have sold their conscience to the same corrupt elements that impoverished us while in public office, indulging in all forms of criminality instead of service to the nation. The allegations made by these crisis entrepreneurs against Bichi and the DSS are baseless to say the least and a clear case of corruption fighting back.
” We have no doubt that this is a sinister plan to blackmail the federal government and its security agencies especially the DSS from going on with some high profile corrupt cases it is currently handling including that of the former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the suspended EFCC chair just to mention a few.
“We must emphasize and warn these criminal elements that using their criminal wealth ,influence and faceless groups to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the DSS is an old trick and Nigerians must not fall for it. It is shameful that some greedy Nigerians have teamed up with enemies of the country just because of selfish financial gain” . This is a clear case of corruption fighting back to overwhelm the state.
“The DSS must do its job and refrain from falling for cheap blackmail as they strive to ensure national security”.
The group maintained that the DSS under Yusuf Magagi Bichi has demonstrated commitment to maintaining internal security and should be commended rather than attacked by sponsored elements emphasizing that Nigerians have confidence in the ability of DSS to effectively prosecute all criminal elements who try to undermine Nigeria’s national security no matter how highly placed.
“We urge Nigerians to question the motives behind the faceless groups and lawyers who only seek justice for the wealthy regardless of their heinous crimes against humanity and the nation. Under normal circumstances, these groups should instead be fighting for the interests of the poor but the reverse is the case, this is curious and suspect”, the statement added.
The group passed a vote of confidence on the DSS and its leadership and urged Nigerians to disregard the so-called protests and remain focused on efforts aimed at stabilizing the country and building a secured and prosperous nation for all Nigerians.
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
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