The Anambra State Police Command has promised a complete crackdown on cultists and their sponsors in response to the ongoing killings in the state capital Awka and its surroundings.
In a statement released by the command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday, the state’s commissioner of police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, issued the warning.
Adeoye, who called the cultists “murderers,” claimed they are unable to live among respectable people in society and issued a warning that no one should call the police when the crackdown starts.
Around Awka and its surroundings, there have frequently been clashes involving rival cult groups.
A recent one took place just recently.was when a member of an opposing group was killed by a hacksaw with his head severed in the Eke Awka market.
The commissioner called those funding cultists to carry out murders in the state cowards who ought to hide their faces in shame.
He pledged that the Police Command will crack down severely on the “heartless” cultists who relish the execution of others.
Anyone calling him to request the release of a cult member who was detained during the crackdown would be dishonored, he warned.
The Commissioner has mandated a full-scale operation against cultists and the organizations that support them in the state.He gave the good people of Anambra State the assurance that the peace and tranquillity that had been disturbed by the recent killings associated with a cult in the capital would soon be restored.
The statement further stated that “he requested all law-abiding individuals’ assistance in eradicating the threat of cultism from society.”
Anambra police threaten clampdown on cultists over incessant killings
NWC position: Yahaya Bello didn’t reach truce with Ganduje – Kogi APC Chairman
The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has refuted claims that it made a truce with Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, and conceded certain newly appointed national officers’ positions.
Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, the state party’s chairman, refuted the story in a statement on Friday in Lokoja, according to News Agency of Nigeria, calling it “a fabrication being propagated by enemies of our party.”
The Kogi APC has protested to the selection of Ikani Shuaibu Okolo as the new Zonal Organising Secretary for the North-Central Zone and Duro Meseko as the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary.
The governor invaded the party’s national offices on Thursday with a small group of supporters to halt the installation of the officials after hearing rumors that Meseko had been nominated over Yahaya Ismail, Bello’s chosen candidate and former Special Adviser on Water Resources.
The Kogi APC continued, “The alleged compromise that the governor had been told to present the zonal organising secretary and concede the deputy national publicity secretary is incorrect.
“That report contains not a shred of truth. We are aware of the individuals responsible for spreading such rumors and fabrications, but we are steadfast in our commitment to the role of National Chairman of the party, and we are confident that we will all work to maintain and uphold the party’s constitution.
“Concessions were not discussed because doing so would violate our party’s charter and the commitment to due process for which we are known.
“Governor Yahaya Bello is a devoted party member who exclusively accepts legal obligations. He expressed his admiration for the President and the party’s leadership.
He continued by saying that the party’s issue was practically settled because everyone had committed to uphold the party constitution.
“Our governor has no personal grudges towards anyone and is merely acting on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of APC members in Kogi.”
Tinubu Appoints Dekalu-Thomas As New NELMCO MD
Mrs. Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas has been named the new managing director and chief executive officer of the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company by President Bola Tinubu for a tenure of four years.
The Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity, Aguri Ngelale, made this announcement in a statement on Friday.
The change happened shortly after Mr. Adebayo Fagbemi’s term as governor expired on May 8, 2023.
The statement further stated that Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of Mr. Dimla Nchinney to the position of Executive Director, Liability Management at NELMCO.
Reps to receive N54bn for constituency projects
The 10th Assembly’s House of Representatives members would each receive N150 million, for a total of N54 billion, for constituency projects.
The constituency allowances, according to one of the members who requested for anonymity, are among the few privileges that allow legislators to directly influence their individual communities.
Constituency or zonal intervention projects in Nigeria relate to construction initiatives funded by a variety of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and located in the districts of state house of assembly, house of representatives, or senatorial candidates.
These initiatives frequently feature banners with the name of the legislator and the words “Project Implemented.”
As a result of the frequent opacity surrounding them, politicians’ salaries and benefits have always been the subject of debates.
Each House of Representatives member received N100 million during the ninth legislature, while each member of the Red Chamber received N200 million for constituency projects.
The constituency allowance of the MPs has, however, raised by N50m in the midst of hardship and the necessity to urge the populace to bear the difficult times in expectation of the good times and the “Renewed Hope” of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
“In the House of Representatives, our constituency allowance is N150m,” the legislator remarked. The only chance we have to assist our constituency with a project or initiatives is now.
“We typically have no control over the actual projects. So, giving back to our constituency through this is frequently like a palliative for us. Many of us frequently use our finances to carry out all the projects we undertake on behalf of our constituencies.
And this year, the House of Representatives will receive N150 million; I’m not sure how much the Senate will receive.
Port Harcourt Refinery Company would begin operations in December of this year – FG
On Friday, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), made the announcement that the Port Harcourt Refinery Company would begin operations in December of this year.
According to a statement that was issued in Abuja by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, he made this revelation while visiting the restoration exercise at the plant that is owned by the Port Harcourt Refining Company in Port Harcourt, which is located in the state of Rivers.
The minister, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that the plant would come back online by December based on the degree of development that has been documented at the facility.
“The reason we have traveled all the way here today is to make certain that over the next few years, Nigeria will no longer be dependent on importing fuel. According to the information that we have gathered here today, the Port Harcourt Refinery would be operational by the end of the year.
“Warri will become operational by the end of the first quarter of the next year, and Kaduna will likewise become operational toward the end of the following year. “If you add it to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to end petroleum importation, and Nigerians would enjoy the full benefits of deregulation,” said Lokpobiri. “The Dangote Refinery is the key to our success.”
The minister stated that he was satisfied with the ongoing restoration work at the Port Harcourt refinery. He went on to note that once all of the refineries were back on stream, Nigerians would have access to a greater supply of petroleum products, and the country would be able to keep more of its own currency.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, stated that restoring the refineries to their ideal levels was a national goal, and the business has not wavered in its commitment to accomplishing this goal.
“We are aware of the issues that our country is facing in regards to the availability of fuel. However, we are not here to make excuses for what happened. Our primary focus right now is on completing this refinery modernization project, as well as improving the capacity of our other two refineries and all of the other investments we have made in this area.
According to Kyari’s statement, “we are hoping that by the year 2024, this country would be a net exporter of petroleum products.”
Ekperikpe Ekpo, who is the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), stated that “We are here to get into the field.” The age of subsidies came to an end yesterday. Subsidies are not available in the modern era.
“In today’s world, people are in a very difficult position to breathe a sigh of relief and figure out how to continue living. You are all aware that gasoline plays a significant role in our economy. To guarantee that the refineries are operating properly, every available person needs to pitch in.
Breaking: Coup Leader of Niger Expels French Ambassador, Gives Him 48 Hours to Leave
Niamey, Niger Republic – The Niger Republic’s coup leader has given Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador, 48 hours to leave the nation. The foreign ministry made this known in a statement on Friday, August 25, according to Reuters.
The statement claims that part of the reason for the decision was Itte’s unwillingness to accept a meeting invitation from the foreign affairs minister of Niger. Without going into more detail, it continued by saying that other actions taken by the French government were likewise against Niger’s interests. Following the historic coup on July 26, France has demanded President Mohamed Bazoum’s reinstatement as the leader of the Niger Republic.
The French foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Friday.
Suspension of Niger by African Union Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani’s coup on Wednesday, July 26, reportedly led the African Union to suspend the Republic of Niger. One of the various penalties imposed on the country of francophone West Africa is the suspension.
Niger forms a military partnership with two nations The Burkina Faso and Mali military juntas and the Niger military junta have joined forces. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the junta and a former commander of the brigade guard, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup and imprisoned him, according to DW.
Obaseki attacks Tinubu administration, says information minister
To deflect attention away from his subpar performance in Edo, Governor Obaseki attacks the Tinubu government, according to the information minister.
The Nigerian government has criticised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, claiming that he is criticising President Bola Tinubu’s economic decisions and actions regarding the elimination of fuel subsidies and the reform of the foreign exchange market in order to divert public attention from his alleged subpar performance in his state.
In a statement issued by the federal government and signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, Governor Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an opposition party, was warned that the election process is over and that he should act with more statesmanlike behaviour.
In order to have a more informed public discourse, the minister, who pointed out that the federal government’s response was based on a statement attributed to Obaseki and published by ThisDay Newspaper on Thursday, said it was critical to clarify some narratives.
“The statement attributed to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, which was used as the lead front page story in ThisDay Newspaper of today (Thursday, August 24, 2023) did not come as a surprise to anyone,” Idris said. For a more informed public discourse, it is necessary to make clear some narratives, though.
“Since joining the Peoples Democratic Party, Governor Obaseki’s poor performance at the state level has come to light. He has done this by focusing on the nation’s economic problems as cannon fodder. Despite the fact that leaders frequently hold opposing viewpoints, it’s important to ground discussion in reality and on observable outcomes.
“Governor Obaseki’s remarks regarding the Federal Government’s choices regarding fuel subsidies and reforms to the foreign exchange market may have neglected the bigger picture of the economy.
“It is well known that Nigerians, State Governors from all political stripes, and international organizations—such as the World Bank and IMF—along with a variety of economic experts, have consistently argued for the elimination of fuel subsidies due to the fiscal distortions and burden they have caused on the economy.
“This burden includes many months of zero accretion to the Federation account by the NNPC, which left states and local governments with less money from FAAC as a result of payment for fuel subsidy, which the national oil company regularly charged to the Federation account.
For context, it should be noted that Edo State, led by Governor Obaseki, has significantly benefited from the removal of fuel subsidies. This is demonstrated by the more than doubling of Edo State’s FAAC allocation between June and July 2023, compared to what it had previously received.
‘Our suggestion? The emphasis should be on how the Edo State Government will use available resources to drive impactful projects that genuinely uplift the people of Edo State rather than diving into narratives that do not give the full picture.
“President Tinubu’s policies at the national level are based on foresight, with the main objective of creating a robust and sustainable economy. Where important economic decisions are made, the National Economic Council, this vision is frequently echoed.
We want to make it very clear that President Bola Tinubu’s bold and courageous economic decisions made since taking office are the only reason Edo State, along with the other 35 States and the FCT, can access more FAAC revenue.
Because they were the ones that had to be made to reposition the country’s economy for greater output, these decisions have received praise from all over the world. We still don’t know what might have caused Governor Obaseki to level such flagrantly false accusations against the Federal Government.
“Constitutionally, Governor Obaseki is a member of the National Economic Council (NEC), where important decisions on the issues he discussed in his media address were made by his colleagues while they were seated in council with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“Even though Governor Obaseki will have an explanation to give the people of his state for why he missed the two NEC meetings held during the current administration, we would like to let him know that his colleagues praised President Tinubu for having the guts to get rid of the ghost of fuel subsidies, which had for years crippled the finances of the three tiers of government. To contribute ideas and support the group’s vision, Governor Obaseki’s attendance at these meetings would be beneficial.
“Contrary to the false impression being spread by Governor Obaseki, at the most recent NEC meeting, which was held last week, the council made broad decisions on many interventions to help households.
“One of the decisions approved the immediate distribution of N5 billion to each of the states to purchase food items for later distribution to families, while the states work to clean up the social registers in preparation for cash transfers that will benefit up to 20 million of Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
In order to address the rising cost of living and support working people in maintaining a decent standard of living, the NEC also established a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage with labour unions and the general upward review of salaries for public sector workers.
This is in addition to ongoing initiatives to provide 11,500 CNG-powered mass transit vehicles for accessible public transportation, fertiliser supplies to farmers, and assistance to farmers in their efforts to cultivate 500,000 hectares of arable land to plant staple crops for human consumption and industrial use.
“The Federal Government recognises the current challenges Nigerians are dealing with and is working very hard with the states and local governments to provide assistance to our people. Through extremely difficult times, President Tinubu is leading our nation.
“We have absolute faith that we will soon turn the corner and enter a prosperous future. At this point, it is more important than ever for leaders at all levels to work together cooperatively to improve the lives of Nigerians, rather than engaging in pointless political games.
President Tinubu has warned that the time for politics and politicking is over. In order to create a stronger, more viable, socially cohesive, and more prosperous Nigeria, we are now in the serious business of governance.
UNIZIK dismisses lecturers accused of sexual harassment
Official removal from their various official positions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made by the institution’s administration of lecturers accused of sexual harassment.
Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Special Advisor on Public Relations and Special Duties to the Institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, made this announcement in a press release on Friday.
Ojukwu insisted that there was no protest at the institution despite failing to mention the names of the indicted officials in the statement and claiming that an investigation into claims of sexual harassment by some lecturers is still ongoing.
It is important to note that there was absolutely no protest at the university, according to the statement.
“However, a probe into claims of sexual harassment by some lecturers is still ongoing.
The affected lecturers were abruptly removed from their official positions, and the affected departments received stern warning letters from the Vice Chancellor.
“Unfortunately, the students who reported sexual harassment refused to appear before the investigation panel to give testimony.
However, the Vice Chancellor also called a meeting with representatives from the affected departments, where he expressed the university’s displeasure and warned lecturers and staff to refrain from any actions that might damage the university’s reputation.
He said that the university administration would severely punish incompetent employees, especially those who were abusing or harassing our students sexually.
He continued by saying that the Vice Chancellor had set up a special phone line so that students could report any kind of staff harassment, particularly sexual harassment.
He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to upholding their rights and treating all claims of sexual misconduct seriously and in strict confidence.
Citizens of Niger are not at war with ECOWAS, say Omar Touray
says stand force deployment preparations are in high gear.
According to Omar Touray, the president of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, neither the sub-regional organisation nor any plans to invade the Niger Republic have declared war on its citizens.
This was stated by Touray on Friday at a press conference on the Niger and ECOWAS Member States in Transition held at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters.
A standby ECOWAS force was activated to restore constitutional order in Niger after leaders of the Economic Community of West African States Commission bloc pledged to explore all options for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
On July 26, a military coup led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former head of the presidential guard in Niger, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.
Following the coup, former colonial powers France and the European Union cut off their financial and security assistance to Niger, and the United States issued a warning that its own assistance might be in jeopardy.
Britain had denounced attempts to undermine Niger’s democracy, peace, and stability and declared its support for ECOWAS in its mission to bring about stability in the country.
Touray said that there have been inaccurate representations of ECOWAS decisions or actions in reestablishing democracy in the Niger Republic to support his point.
He declared that the ECOWAS would use all necessary means, including standby force, to bring back civil rule in the Niger Republic.
Touray also mentioned that the Niger Republic, as a member of the bloc of countries in the West African region, abided by its rules and regulations regarding the deployment of measures to support its fight against terrorism in order to ensure the restoration of democracy, peace, and security in the community.
The President emphasised that plans are well under way to send the standby force to Niger and urged the Niger junta to pay attention to ECOWAS because it will not accept a coup d’état.
According to Touray, ECOWAS will not permit Nigeriens to suffer at the hands of the Niger junta.
Later on, more information…
Two Customs officers are killed in Kebbi by gunmen
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kebbi State Command has confirmed that two of its employees were killed by gunmen in the state on Thursday who were thought to be bandits.
In a press release he made available to newsmen in the state on Friday morning, the command’s spokesman in the state, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mubarak Mustapha, confirmed this.
According to the statement, a shootout broke out between the team and suspected bandits driving a Toyota Corolla along the Bunza-Dankingari-Koko road as they conducted a stop-and-search operation.
“On Thursday, August 24, 2023, at around 01:30 a.m., while conducting a stop-and-search operation based on reliable information along the Bunza – Dakingari – Koko Road, a team of Kebbi Area Command officers and men of the Nigeria Customs were engaged with heavy gunfire by suspected bandits in an ash-colored Toyota Corolla vehicle.
Alhaji Kabiru Shehu, a customs inspector, and Abdullahi Muhammad, a customs assistant II, both members of the Command, paid the ultimate price in the ensuing melee.
The officers have since been buried using Islamic customs.
The Command has started a manhunt for the suspects in order to apprehend and prosecute them while also praying for the deceased’s peace.
According to the statement, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Area Controller, expressed his condolences to the families for the tragic event and prayed that God Almighty would give them the strength to deal with the loss.
Assuring such informants of strict confidentiality, the CAC also exhorts members of the public to offer information regarding the whereabouts of alleged smugglers and other criminals.