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Navy gets new spokesman

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Navy gets new spokesman

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has appointed Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu as the spokesperson for the service.

Adams -Aliu who is the son of a former editor with The Daily Times took over from Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan.

A statement on Friday by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral J.D. Akpan, stated that the former spokesperson had been redeployed to Headquarters Naval Training Command as the Chief Staff Officer.

The statement partly read, “The CNS has approved the appointment of a new Director of Naval Information and official spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy in the person of Commodore Adams-Aliu

“On Friday, March 22, 2024, Commodore Adams-Aliu took over from Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan who has been redeployed to Headquarters Naval Training Command as the Chief Staff Officer.

“Commodore Adams-Aliu was born into the family of Sir & Lady Adams Aliu.
Notably, Sir Adams-Aliu is a veteran journalist who worked extensively as an editor with the Daily Times of Nigeria, thus young Aiwuyor was exposed to the inner workings of the journalism profession early in life and developed a flair for public speaking and media relations.

“Adams-Aliu attended Shepherd Hill Primary School and Kings College Lagos before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1995, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1999 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in the year 2000 as a member of 47 Regular Course.”

The statement said Adams-Aliu attended several professional courses including the Captain Career Course at United States Army Infantry School, Atlanta, from 2007 to 2008.

“He also attended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for the Junior and Senior Staff Courses in 2004 and 2010 respectively. Adams-Aliu later graduated from the Naval War College Nigeria in 2018 and the United States Naval War College in 2019.

“Adams-Aliu commenced his naval career, serving as Watch Keeping Officer onboard various Nigerian Navy Ships from the year 2000 to 2004. He also served as a military observer in the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2011 – 2012.

“He was the Officer in Charge of the Nigerian Navy Ship BENIN and Squadron Commander of SHALDAG Boat squadron from 2013 to 2014 and between 2016 and 2018, he was the Pioneer Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA, the second Nigerian Navy (indigenously) built Seaward Defence Boat (SDBII),” the statement added.

FirstNews writes CDS, seeks abducted editor’s whereabouts

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FirstNews writes CDS, seeks abducted editor's whereabouts

The management of FirstNews has written the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, demanding to know the whereabouts of its editor, Segun Olatunji.

Olatunji, a former Kaduna State correspondent of The According, was kidnapped in his Lagos home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos on March 16.

He was said to have been whisked away by 10 armed men, and to date, nothing has been heard of his whereabouts.

The letter followed the continuous disappearance of Olatunji several days after he was abducted in Lagos.

In the letter titled, “Arrest and Detention of Mr Segun Olatunji, Editor FirstNews” and signed by the publisher, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the news outfit, among other things, appealed to the CDS to help them ascertain the exact location of the journalist.

“As a responsible and law-abiding media organisation, we are requesting that you help us ascertain the whereabouts of our editor, if truly he is in your custody, grant his family, doctor and lawyers access to him, make known to us his offence, if he had committed one and charge him to court if the offence is grievous, so he can have the opportunity to defend himself,” the letter read in part.

The letter also narrated how Olatunji was whisked away and the initial alarm raised about him being abducted, based on the account of his wife, who was an eyewitness of the incident.

It read, “On Friday, March 15, 2024, the wife of our editor, Segun Olatunji, contacted us over a strange development. In the account of the story narrated by her, some armed men, numbering 10, (two in military uniform), stormed their residence at No. 12, Dauda Oriyomi Street, Iyana Odo along Joke Ayo in Abule Egba area of Lagos State and whisked him away.

“Not stating the reason for their actions and where they were taking him to, it was emotionally conjectured that it was a case of abduction by the military.

“This prompted the initial alarm that Segun Olatunji had been abducted. Thus, many media outlets published the story of his abduction by the military. This was aimed at drawing the attention of security agencies and the government to act swiftly.

“However, days after the incident and with no information from those behind his abduction, we were left with no choice but to request his family to lodge a formal complaint to the police in order for them to commence a thorough investigation into the incident. We also reached out to the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigeria Union of Journalists to weigh in and demand the release of our editor.

“As at the time of writing this letter, the whereabouts of Segun Olatunji is still unknown, thus putting his family in great discomfort, especially as regards his safety and health conditions as an ulcer and asthmatic patient.”

The management of FirstNews said it had been part of the healthy relationship that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu has maintained with the media since it came on board and hope that the robust relationship which extended to the military would continue.

The organisation also used the letter to commiserate with the military over the killings of its officers and soldiers in Okuama, Delta State.

Delta Police arrest three teenagers for faking friend’s kidnapping

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Delta Police arrest three teenagers for faking friend's kidnapping

The Delta State Police Command has arrested three teenagers for staging the kidnapping of one of their friends and extorting N700,000.

This was made known in a statement shared by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on his X account on Friday.

He wrote, “These three suspects are friends all 17 years old. They conspired and faked the kidnap of one of their friends in Agbor, called the parent of one of them, and demanded a ransom. They were arrested after collecting a ransom of N700,000.

“Make our boys dey calm down o. Short cut to success leads to a short life. Imagine a 17-year-old who knows how to fake kidnap just to collect money from the parent.

“The sad part is that the parents will start running up and down for them to evade justice. Justice must be served.”

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Pray for God’s intervention, Naval chief urges Nigerians

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Pray for God's intervention, Naval chief urges Nigerians

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called on Nigerians to pray for peace unity and progress in the face of the myriad of challenges facing the country.

He said the country was passing through daunting challenges, both economic and security, and called on both Christians and Muslims to pray for God’s intervention.

The According reports that apart from the insecurity confronting the nation, Nigeria faces challenges like the parlous state of the economy and the high cost of living among others.

Speaking during the Iftar organised by the  Nigerian Navy Islamic Directorate on  Friday in Abuja, Ogalla said with the many socio-economic challenges bedeviling the country, there is a need for citizens to be steadfast in seeking Allah’s intervention.

He said, “The nation is facing daunting challenges, particularly from the security and economic aspect of our nationhood. In addition to working hard to overcome these challenges, we believe that man, being a spiritual being, will also need prayers. This year’s Ramadan also coincided with the Lenten period for the Christians. This emphasizes the oneness of all religions, particularly Islam and Christianity.

“We must jointly continue to pray for God Almighty to intervene in our situation.”

He said President Bola Tinubu was living no stone unturned to better the lots of the citizens.

Ogalla said, “The President is doing all humanly possible to see a turn around in the country, and those of us who are his field officers are also equally ready to do all that is humanly possible.

“I want to join our Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to pray for peace and security of this nation” .

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

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Rivers CJ frees 24 inmates

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Rivers CJ frees 24 inmates

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, on Friday, freed 24 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Custodial Centre.

Justice Chibuzor-Amadi said the goal delivery exercise underscores the dedication of the court that individuals have the right to be integrated into society and become law-abiding citizens.

He stated this during a goal delivery at the correctional centre on Friday, saying he is empowered by law to conduct the exercise on inmates as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state.

He, however, blamed a lack of proper process in trying the inmates and activities of the police in the prolonged stay of the inmates at the correctional centre and the consequent overcrowding.

The CJ stated that correctional centres should neither be warehouses for the forgotten nor breeding ground for hardened criminals.

“Rather, they should be institutions for transformation where individuals can reflect on their actions, learn from their mistakes, and receive the necessary tools and support for their rehabilitation,” he explained.

Justice Chibuzor-Amadi added, “We are here in compliance with the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act Cap 40 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2024 and Section 34 Sub 1 of the Rivers State Administration and Criminal Justice Law No 7 of 2015 to conduct this goal delivery at this Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.

“Today, we have the chance to offer compassion, restore the dignity, and extend a hand of hope to those who have erred in the past but deserve to have a change for the future.”

He called on stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure collaboration in justice delivering, saying the goal delivery exercise cannot take away the principles of the nation’s justice system which includes fairness, integrity and equality before the law.

He added, “Every individual appearing before us today deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of the kind of offence he is alleged to have committed.

“However, let us not forget that there are those who are victims of the crime those we are about to release have committed. It is our duty to ensure that justice is served for those victims also. Providing them with the closure and healing they deserve.

“Restorating justice programme can play a crucial role in this process by encouraging dialogue and reconciliation between victims and offenders. Promoting understanding and facilitating healing for all the parties involved.”

While noting that the pardon should not be misunderstood that people should not be punished for their actions, he advised the released inmates to become a better people in the society as they reunite with their families and society.

In his goodwill message, the state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Felix Lawrence, commended the state judiciary for its continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongestion of the facilities.

Twenty-four inmates who have been in correctional centre between seven and 15 years were granted pardon by the Chief Judge in the presence of representatives of state Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Bar Association, the International Federation of Female Lawyers and human rights groups.

IPOB seeks Kanu’s release over poor health

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Court denies Nnmadi Kanu bail

The Indigenous People of Biafra has called on the Federal Government to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, over his deteriorating health in detention.

The call was contained in a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Friday.

Powerful said Kanu’s health has deteriorated inside the detention facilities.

The statement read, “IPOB is bringing to the notice of the international community that the Federal Government and her judiciary have planned a systematic murder of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, using the instrumentality of their fraudulent judicial system.

“Our leader was kidnapped and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria and detained for almost three years in DSS solidarity confinement in Abuja. His health has deteriorated inside the detention facilities, and DSS has been using experimental drugs and practices for his serious health issues.

“The DSS lacks proper medical facilities to take care of his falling heart conditions.”

Powerful insisted that the IPOB leader committed no crime.

“Igbo politicians must use this little opportunity they have wisely to ensure that the Federal Government who want to suffocate Kanu gradually inside DSS solitary confinement as he suffers from a terminal heart and lung disease does not do so.

“Irrespective of all the judicial abracadabra, the Federal Government must ensure that our leader must not die in their hands nor die shortly after his release. Kanu’s life is a trigger that can consume Nigeria and the generations unborn.

“Those who intend to tag us terrorists and those who are friends of Nigeria must advise the Federal Government to release Kanu healthy as the Appeal Court Justices declared. The same peaceful IPOB seen worldwide is capable of taking on Nigeria when the need arises. This is not a threat but a promise,” he added.

Earlier this week, some South-East members of the House of Representatives called for discontinuing Kanu’s trial.

Ondo, firm disagree over waste management contract

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Ondo, firm disagree over waste management contract

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ZL Global Alliance Nigeria Limited, Dr Abiola Bashorun, on Friday, accused the Ondo State Government of not fulfilling its part of the agreement signed on the waste management of the state.

The ZL Global Alliance was contracted by the state government to manage the waste in the state, some years ago, but the two parties have been disagreeing with the contract in recent times.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Oyeniyi Oseni, had earlier said the government had terminated the contract with the waste management company over the alleged failure of the latter to live up to expectations but the firm’s GMD, Bashorun insisted that the contract with the government subsists.

Oseni said the government had decided to disengage the company and started engaging Private Sector Participants in waste collection and ensuring proper environmental sanitation.

He said, “The waste private company (ZL Global) has failed us, we would collect all our equipment from them. We need the PSP to be back to work on all their zones. I want to also make it clear that we are not owing any partner, we are not owing ZL Global.”

However, the ZL Global boss alleged that the state government had failed on its part to pay her company on a monthly basis as stated in the contract signed with the state government, insisting that the contract still subsisted.

According to her, the contract was signed in 2015 and amended in 2019 and 2023.

“The ZL Global Alliance is the major partner of the state government in the private sector and our contract is with Ondo State government. I want to say categorically that none of our contracts with the Ondo State government has neither elapsed, expired nor recalled.

“The contract we are holding is a concessional agreement signed by all the three arms of power in Ondo State. If you are seeing some service issues, it is because the government has not paid us this year.

“It is worthy of note that this has become customary that the Waste Management Authority finds it difficult to process payment on time amidst these economic challenges.

“Diesel price has gone up by 200 per cent, and all lines of indices to this contract have gone up. So, we wait for them to pay for the contract to continue.

“In line with the contract, Ondo State pays monthly and this is the end of the first quarter and we have not received a dime from the government.

“Although just now, I got information that our payment for January is being processed. We await the payment and will do the needful after payment. So people should disregard any information that is contrary to this,” Bashorun explained

Highlife music icon, Kabaka dies at 77

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Highlife music icon, Kabaka dies at 77

Highlife music icon, Godwin Opara popularly known as Kabaka, who broke a two-decade silence with the release of his acclaimed “Abialam” album in September 2023, is dead. He was aged 77.

Derda Promotions, the management team, confirmed the death of the music icon, who spearheaded and transformed the realm of highlife music on Thursday.

The Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions, Amarachi Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday morning.

The statement read, “Derda Promotions is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, an icon who pioneered and revolutionised Highlife music, on March 21st, 2024.”

His death comes barely six months after his return to the highlife music scene.

Kabaka was not only a gifted highlife artist but also a renowned songwriter and guitarist whose melodies resonated deeply with legions of admirers.

In 1973, he co-established The Oriental Brothers International Band, a Highlife force celebrated for its socially conscious lyrics, musical prowess, and authentic sound that captivated audiences across Africa and beyond.

Kabaka began his solo career in 1976, when he formed The Kabaka International Guitar Band. He continued to make high-quality Highlife music, releasing fourteen albums and producing successes such as ‘Mangala Special’.

Displaying his versatility and creativity, Kabaka delved into Ezebongo rhythms, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. Subsequently, he collaborated with The Imo City Band, solidifying his legacy as an indomitable Highlife luminary.

His comeback in September 2023, marked by the release of the album ‘The Return of Kabaka’, garnered over a million streams and secured a place among the top 100 albums worldwide.

Police foil robbery operation in Rivers, kill three 

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Police foil robbery operation in Rivers, kill three 

The Rivers State Police Command said its men foiled an armed robbery operation at Prisigbara/Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Khana Local Government Area of the state and successfully neutralised three assailants.

The spokesperson for the state command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Friday, said the incident occurred on Thursday.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said operatives from the Bori Division and the Anti-Cultism Unit in Bori, both in Khana LG responded to a distress call on the robbery operation.

She added that on arrival at the scene, the robbers opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a shootout but the criminals were subdued and fatally wounded, saying one of those killed was a notorious armed robber nicknamed ‘Oyoyo’ aged 25 who had been involved in cult activities and armed robbery in the Ogoni axis of the state.

The statement read, “Rivers State Police Command thwarted robbery operation in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on March 21, 2024, responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a robbery operation on Prisigbara/Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Khana Local Government Area.

“In a coordinated effort, officers from the Police Division, Bori, and the Anti-Cultism Unit, Bori, were dispatched to the scene.

“Upon the arrival of the police personnel, the robbers engaged them in gunfire. However, due to the superior firepower of the police, the assailants were subdued, and the robbery operation was successfully thwarted.

“Tragically, during the exchange, three of the suspects sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the Police Clinic in Bori. Regrettably, their injuries proved fatal, and they were pronounced dead on arrival.”

It further read that “the deceased has been identified as Monday Sulole, a notorious armed robber and cultist, also known as “Oyoyo.” Sulole, aged 25 and hailing from Yeghe in Gokana Local Government Area, was responsible for numerous cult clashes and armed robberies in the Ogoni axis of Rivers State.

“As a result of the operation, the police recovered several items from the robbers, including one locally made revolver pistol, with three live ammunition, one locally-made shotgun with three cartridges, a machete, and several charms.

“We assure the community that the area has returned to normalcy, and we have implemented increased police patrols in and around the vicinity to ensure the safety of residents.

“The Rivers State Police Command acknowledges the concerns raised by the community regarding the harassment and robbery of students, particularly in the densely populated area. This successful operation is expected to bring much-needed relief to the community. We urge residents to continue cooperating with the police, as your support is instrumental in our ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.”

Call NLC to order, LP petitions SGF, Labour ministry

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Call NLC to order, LP petitions SGF, Labour ministry

Following Wednesday’s invasion of its secretariats, the leadership of Labour Party has formally petitioned relevant government institutions requesting that an urgent intervention be taken to protect the party against further aggression from the Nigeria Labour Congress.

In four separate letters written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Ministry of Labour and Employment and Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, the party also called for disciplinary action to be taken against the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other union leaders who spearheaded the alleged vandalisation of its property.

The demand comes barely 24 hours after the embattled National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, lamented that they lost property worth millions of naira and some staff salaries to the siege.

The ongoing conflict between the NLC and the leadership of LP escalated on Wednesday when members of the union picketed the party’s secretariats across the country.

The move was to press home their demand for Abure’s resignation.

The protesting workers were spotted laying siege to LP national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners that read ‘Abure must go’ among others.

They were, however, prevented from gaining access into the party secretariat by security operatives posted to the area to maintain order.

But the LP national chairman insisted that the union members broke into their offices where they destroyed properties worth millions of naira and also made away with some money meant for staff salaries.

But on Friday, the party petitioned the Federal Government, demanding that sanctions be meted out to Ajaero and his loyalists for intimidating their members and vandalizing its properties.

A statement released in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, also debunked reports describing the NLC as owner of Labour party.

According to him, the Federal Government being the regulatory agency for trade unions should define the role of the NLC, particularly on its alleged claim of owning LP for which it has continually harass and interfere in the party’s activities.

He said, “Ajaero has over reached himself by using workers funds to picket and sponsor insurrection in the Labour Party headquarters, an action which amounts to an abuse of office and should therefore be called to order and properly sanctioned. It has become unavoidably necessary to request your urgent intervention, being the regulatory agency for trade unions, including the NLC.

“It is our arguments that using workers funds to picket and sponsor insurrection in the Labour Party headquarters and its legitimate leadership is an abuse of office by the Presidents of the NLC, Joe Ajaero and should therefore be called to order and properly sanctioned. Similarly, the NLC has no right to picket an organisation where there is no trade dispute. The Labour Party has no staff members who are members of the NLC.

“The action of the NLC is a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Trade Union Act, and other relevant laws. NLC members are not card-carrying members of the Labour Party. The Labour Party cannot be owned by any association. Membership of the party is on an individual basis. The Labour Party’s Constitution says the party is open to all Nigerians who accept its ideology, programmes, and the constitution, irrespective of their religion, ethnic, gender, social, and economic status.

“As lawful citizens, we didn’t want to confront them in an uncivilised manner in order to avoid breakdown of law and order. We had the option of also mobilising party faithful to confront them.

“Doing that at this point where the harsh economic climate is having its toll on the Nigerian people will result to anarchy. Thus, the urgent need to call the NLC and its leadership led by Joe Ajaero to order, educate them on the limit of their power, condemn their rascality, abuse of office and discipline them as appropriate.”

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