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Interface with Tinubu administration to fix S/east issues – Speaker, Tajudeen to Igbos

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Igbo leaders have been urged by House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to look for ways to communicate with the federal government in order to have their justifiable complaints heard.

At Bende, Abia State, Abbas spoke at the opening of the Peace in the South East Project, which was the idea of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

He pointed out that the Southeast had suffered numerous losses as a result of agitations there, despite the region’s strong economy.

According to the Speaker, the prosperity and tranquilly in the Southeast inevitably reflected in the entirety of Nigeria.

“Continues to cripple daily life and significantly paralyse socio-economic endeavours, in a region whose people are renowned for their resourcefulness and economic enterprise,” Abbas bemoaned the wave of insecurity in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Krishi.

“The then Eastern region was regarded as the fastest-growing economy in Africa and Asia between 1956 and 1965,” Abbas stated. In fact, the South-East continues to be sub-Saharan Africa’s and Nigeria’s economic engine, leading the region in trade and commerce.

“Igbo people are renowned for being enterprising, resourceful, tactful, persistent, and peaceful—from Aba to Adamawa and Enugu to Europe. That is the nature of the Igbo people. That’s your identity. Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi are three of your cities; they are among the most industrialised in Nigeria.

Igbo people own a substantial portion of the significant investments in several regions of Nigeria. It is beyond dispute that you have made significant economic contributions to Nigeria through imports, business ventures, and remittances from the diaspora, among other means.

“The Igbo have contributed to every aspect of human endeavour, including academia, the creative industry, literature, and many more, in addition to the economy.”

FCT appoints new NCoS controller

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John Francis is the newly appointed Controller of Corrections Federal Capital Territory Command, having been appointed by Haliru Nababa, the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

In charge of Training and Staff Development, Ibrahim Idris was recently upgraded to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections. Francis will take over for him, according to a statement signed on Friday by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the FCT Command.

As she said, “I can only say I am successful if my successor succeeds,” Idris thanked the FCT Command staff for their assistance.

He was optimistic that the new controller would be able to advance FCT Command.

The ACG’s record in leadership was praised by Francis, who also asked for his continued collaboration.

Prior to his most recent tour, Francis served as the National Chaplain-Protestant NCoS Headquarters, Abuja.

Tinubu and Shettima receive new Igbo titles in Abia.

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Igbo traditional titles were given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday.

Tinubu earned the traditional title of Omezeri Igbo I from the traditional rulers of Abia State, which was accepted by Shettima on his behalf.

The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers chairman, Eze Linus Mbah, bestowed Enyioma Ndigbo upon Shettima.

APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, senators, members of the House of Representatives, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, five Southeast governors, and former governors of Southeast states were present in addition to Vice President Shettima.

Along with the unveiling of the Peace in the South East Project in Bikendde, Abia State, the event also marked a lavish civic greeting for Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Aiyedatiwa meets Tinubu, promises to lead Ondo forward

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Ondo State’s recently sworn-in governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged on Thursday to rally all interested parties to “move the state forward.”

At his late-night visit with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa announced his intention to “pull everybody to work together and see how we can bring the state forward.”

Shortly after the death of the previous governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, he entered office and made his remarks.

In order to “take charge and mobilise everybody” in his state to carry out the business of administration, Aiyedatiwa claimed he received “advice and encouragement” from the President.

The Ondo State Government declared Akeredolu’s passing on Wednesday following a protracted fight with prostate cancer.

His passing is the first for an Ondo governor currently in office and the fourth in recent memory of the country.

Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna (2012), Mamman Ali of Yobe (2009), and Shehu Kangiwa of Sokoto (1981) are the other officials that passed away while in office.

“To further brief him on the events that happened in our state; the loss of our governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and to also let him know that I have just been sworn in, because there can never be a vacuum, as the governor of Ondo State, being his former deputy,” Aiyedatiwa clarified in his explanation of his visit to the President.
He stated that he also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting them during this crucial time for our state during the private meeting. The events in Ondo State that made headlines throughout the previous six months are no longer news.

In the previous six months, Ondo State was essentially in the news every day; however, all of that has since been resolved, and as president of the nation, he has supported us.

“I am here to express my gratitude for his role as a father figure to the state, his guidance, the progress we have made thus far, and our future plans,” he continued.

His colleague from Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said he visited the President to offer his condolences and to inform him of the state’s plans for the upcoming year.

“We woke up to the devastating news of our senior colleague, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who was also the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum,” stated Abiosun.

“I arrived to offer my condolences to the President, understanding the closeness, loyalty, and support he had for the President on his voyage to Aso Rock.

“I also used the occasion to inform him of our progress to date in Ogun State, our current state of affairs, our economy’s state of improvement and growth, our status as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economies, our state’s achievements to date, and our plans for the upcoming year.

EFCC nabs 16 suspected internet fraudsters in Kaduna

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) agents in the Kaduna Zonal Command have taken sixteen (16) alleged online scammers into custody at the Fifth Chucker Polo Club in Marabban Jos, Kaduna, Kaduna state.

Following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in online offences, the EFCC stated in a statement that they were taken into custody on Thursday, December 27, 2023.

Thirteen men and three women make up the suspects: Bello Abiodun, Abraham Adama, Shedrack Bisola, Friday Markus, Ransom Joash Destiny, Joshua Winner, Samuel Shehu, John Daniel, and Christian Righteous.

Other names are Samuel Ruth, Akosa Joshua, Godwin Dikko, Ogochukwu Ijeh, Bilbert Sabo, and Precious Yohanna.

They have laptops and cell phones that have been retrieved.

As soon as the investigations are over, charges will be brought against them.

Nigeria’s National Assembly to pass 2024 budget on December 30

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On Saturday, December 30, 2023, the Nigerian Senate has called a plenary session to approve the 2024 Appropriations Bill.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought prompt approval by the end of the year when he submitted the N27.5 trillion budget plan before the National Assembly’s joint session in November.

The planned revenue for the budget is N18.324 trillion, with a N9.18 trillion shortfall that will be covered by borrowing from both domestic and foreign sources as well as earnings from privatisation.

In order to expedite the passage of the budget, the Senate had previously decided to meet again on Friday, December 29, 2023.

The plenary was rescheduled for Saturday, December 30, 2023 by 10 am, according to a statement released by Senate Clerk Chinedu Francis Akubueze.

The House of Representatives established the same deadline for enacting the budget, thus this move is in line with their position.

President Tinubu dubbed the budget the “Budget of Renewed Hope,” highlighting its emphasis on attaining macroeconomic stability, decreasing poverty, and facilitating greater access to social security, among other goals.

Plateau: Tension as terrorists notify community of fresh attacks

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Today (Friday), the militants wreaking havoc in Plateau State have vowed to conduct further attacks on a village there.

During an appearance on Arise TV on Thursday, Stanley Kavwam, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, verified the threat.

The Pushit village in Mangu Local Government Area, where he is from, received a letter from the terrorists threatening an impending attack, he claims.

“I got a call on the way down from Jos to this location. The terrorists threatened to invade my own hamlet on December 29th, according to a letter they sent.

According to him, “all the planned attacks were announced in a letter sent by an unidentified individual to the Mangu LGA residents,” warning them of impending attacks.

The letter is reportedly arriving just four days after the courageous gunmen destroyed the entire communities and killed multiple people during their Christmas Eve invasion of 17 settlements.

196 people have died as a result of the horrific attack on unwary peasants in the state’s three local government districts.

At least 149 people, including women and children, have been buried in the state’s Bokkos Local Government Area, according to a trustworthy source with knowledge of the tragic incident, who spoke to reporters on Thursday.

According to him, no fewer than 28 people were killed in Barkin Ladi LGA by the unprovoked onslaught by the ruthless attackers who have been wreaking havoc throughout the state.

The horrific attack in Mangu Local Government Area resulted in the shooting deaths of about 19 people. Within a day, each attack took place.

The question of whether or not the attackers are known has grown in importance over time due to the state’s ongoing massacres.

The terrorists’ identities are not kept a secret, according to a security source.

It is a long-standing problem that affects certain state stakeholders, he claims.

Some people purposefully obstruct security personnel’s attempts. It has been a long-standing technological problem. However, I assure you that the local security services are searching for ways to permanently put an end to this attack.

He stated, “We may give them what they want since they don’t want peace,” in an anonymous manner.

It was brought to light that in an interview with Arise TV, Hon. Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng, a federal politician from Barkin Ladi/Riyom in Plateau State, claimed to know the perpetrators.

The congressman claimed in a video tape that recently made the rounds on social media that even the security services are aware of the attacks.

It was also revealed by him that terrorists typically don’t announce their strikes.

They are not concealed, he declared. They are highly familiar to the security services. When they attack, we know where they go and where they are coming from.

That is not a secret. A common occurrence is that one of the herders’ good samaritans may call and report that “these people are coming to attack.”

Occasionally, they don’t assault the location they claim they are going to strike. They are going to attack at another weak spot.

We must offer quality education, jobs for Nigerians – Tinubul

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With a key focus on combating poverty through the creation of job opportunities for youth and high-quality education for all Nigerian children, President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday that democracy must be progressive and inclusive.

On Thursday in Lagos, Tinubu addressed members of the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) and stated his support for the creation of the National Institute of Progressive Studies.

Assuring the party of its unique identity, the President pointed out that the Institute must conduct thorough research and instruct all party members in the values of democracy and responsible administration.

Though there have been difficulties for democracy in the past, I think our nation has a bright future. We’ll give it to you.

“My dedication lies in endorsing a robust and ideologically-driven democracy that prioritises eradicating poverty and delivering top-notch education to our kids.”

“I applaud our party’s leadership for their tireless efforts in advancing these fundamental principles, and I believe that cooperation with various branches of government is imperative,” the President said.

Akeredolu fought for true federalism – Alake

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Rotimi Akeredolu, the previous governor of Ondo, fought to firmly establish true federalism, according to Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

In a sympathy statement sent on Thursday to Akeredolu’s family, the Ondo people, and other loved ones, the minister praised him.

Remember that Gov. Akeredolu passed away on Wednesday in a hospital in Germany? His age was sixty-seven.

Alake stated that the departed made a name for himself as a fearless and unwavering protector of the Ondo people’s and the Yoruba people’s rights.

“I am shocked beyond measure at the passing of a brother, friend, and indeed a prominent figure in the progressive movement.

He placed the wellbeing of the populace at the centre of government while serving as state governor.

“Though Nigeria has lost a titan, we find solace in the fact that he left an enduring legacy in the political sphere,” he remarked.

Gunmen attack Chris Uba’s convoy, murder two security personnel

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The self-described “godfather” of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba, was allegedly the target of gunmen’s attack on his convoy last night.

Two police officers who were associated with the politician were slain as gunshots flew into the convoy’s cars, according to a source. Information also surfaced that Mr. Val Ozigbo, a prominent member of the Labour Party and another politician, barely avoided the attack.

“We saw what happened,” the insider stated. A gunfight broke out when Chris Uba’s truck collided with the men positioned at UGA intersection.

“The fact that Uba was travelling in a bulletproof car allowed him to escape, but the police officers were not so fortunate and were slain.

“Val Ozigbo was returning from Owerri with his family when he saw a convoy approaching his own convoy fiercely and making an attempt to push him off the road.” His driver was immediately instructed to move off the road so that the other convoy could pass.

“The militants at the UGA junction opened fire on them just after they passed Ozigbo, killing two police officers. After the incident, Ozigbo, who had parked nearby, discovered that Uba’s convoy had been attacked.

We found out that the men wanted to take the politician hostage. It was unclear whether any people had been abducted despite reports of numerous injuries.

A manhunt has been initiated by police authorities for the attackers, according to a news release issued by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state police command.

In a press statement, it was said that “Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who killed two police personnel on December 28, 2023, at approximately 18.30 hours (6.30 p.m.), after they infiltrated from a neighbouring State.”

The two armed police officers who were approaching the group, who were dressed in military fatigues and appeared to be on a kidnapping expedition, startled them. To clear the traffic jam, they opened fire on the cops who had moved ahead of the convoy they were escorting. In an attempt to drive the criminals away, other personnel fired fire while being cautious not to hit too many passing cars.

The situation was swiftly attended to by a police-led mobile Forward Operating Base, which had been conducting rigorous patrols around the area during the Christmas festivities.

The group used a Lexus SUV, which was recovered, and an IED that was discovered inside the car was neutralised. It also found an AK-47 rifle that belonged to one of the killed employees.

“All personnel were commended for their brave and unwavering efforts in securing the people of Anambra State,” said Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye, who had designated the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and men in the Command.

He advised them to take courage from their colleagues’ bravery in taking on the criminal gang instead of letting the high price paid by them discourage them.

“He expressed his condolences to the Enugu State Police Command and the families of the fallen officers, promising that their deaths would not be in vain.

The Anambra State Police Command’s officers and men have been asked by him to step up their efforts and maintain their vigilance. He promised that the culprits who launched the attack on police officers would be found using technology.