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Matawalle: PDP governor commends Umahi for joining APC, laments ‘bad blood’ in opposition

Politics

Toby

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November 27, 2020

Matawalle: PDP governor commends Umahi for joining APC, laments ‘bad blood’ in opposition

The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has hailed the decision of his Ebonyi counterpart, David Umahi, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Matawalle attributed Mr Umahi’s decamping to “bad blood in the present Peoples Democratic Party”.

The Zamfara governor, who is a member of the PDP, stated this in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Zailani Bappa, on Friday.

Mr Matawalle said he would rather commend Mr Umahi for “his bold decision rather than condemn him because everyone feels welcome only in a house where he feels comfortable”.

“If this trend of generating bad blood amongst us continues unabated, our great party will increasingly be on the receiving end as we move towards the year 2023,” Governor Matawalle observed.

“I am having a very bad experience of recent from some of my PDP Governor colleagues which I still find very puzzling. For instance, the South-South Governors accusing me in the media are PDP Governors and they are the same people who brewed controversy over the so-called Zamfara Gold, premised on deliberate misinformation and outright lies,” Governor Matawalle said.

“Surprisingly, it is the APC Federal Government which has all the correct records on the gold mining issue that came out to defend me in this saga. As PDP colleagues, I expected the Governors to contact me first and find out my own side of the story before unleashing their venom in the media”, he said.

“As the brouhaha lasted, I commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive of our efforts to organise the economic sector in the state to avoid using the mineral deposits to promote insecurity in our dear state.

“Today, the Federal Government is issuing licences to deserving Companies to operate in the mining sector in the state. The biggest company with an investment of billions of naira is owned by a Nigerian from Anambra state. And I wonder where the idea of Zamfara state owning the gold mines emanated from. As at now, the state Government does not have a hand in any of the mining activity in the state because the constitution does not empower us to do so.

“I call on the South-South Governors to eschew intellectual idleness and support its people to operate modular refineries as provided by the law and lift their people out of fear rather than sit behind and start chasing shadows rather than substance,” Mr Matawalle challenged.

Matawalle commends Gov. Umahi “for his bold decision” to leave the PDP

Politics

admin

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November 27, 2020

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Matawalle commends Gov. Umahi “for his bold decision” to leave the PDP

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is becoming hostile for its members, lamenting over his recent experience with his governor colleagues from the South-South region of the country.

Mr Matawalle, who made the lamentation in a statement on Friday by his media aide, Zailani Bappa, commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State “for his bold decision” to leave the party.

According to the governor, the extent of bad blood in the PDP is partly responsible for Mr Umahi’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying “everyone feels welcome only in a house where he feels comfortable”.

He said: “If this trend of generating bad blood amongst us continues unabated, our great party will increasingly be on the receiving end as we move towards the election year, 2023.”

Speaking further, Mr Matawalle said: “I am having a very bad experience of recent from some of my PDP governor colleagues which I still find very puzzling.

“For instance, the South-South governors [who had been] accusing me in the media are PDP Governors.

“They are also the same people who brewed controversy over the so-called Zamfara gold, [which was] premised on deliberate misinformation and outright lies.

“Surprisingly, it is the APC Federal Government which has all the correct records on the gold mining issue that came out to defend me in this saga.

“As PDP colleagues, I expected the governors to contact me first and find out my own side of the story before unleashing their venom in the media,” Mr Matawalle posited.

“As the brouhaha lasted, I commended President Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive of our efforts to organise the economic sector in the state to avoid using the mineral deposits to promote insecurity in our dear state”

“Today, the Federal Government is issuing licences to deserving companies to operate in the mining sector in the state. The biggest company with an investment of billions of naira is owned by a Nigerian from Anambra state.

“And I wonder where the idea of Zamfara state owning the gold mines emanated from. As at now, the state Government does not have a hand in any of the mining activity in the state because the constitution does not empower us to do so,” Mr Matawalle noted.

The governor, therefore, called on the South-South governors “to eschew intellectual idleness and support its people to operate modular refineries as provided by the law and lift their people out of fear rather than sit behind and start chasing shadows rather than substance.”

Clearance Operations: Troops kill, arrest armed bandits in Benue and Nasarawa

Recent News

Toby

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November 27, 2020

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Clearance Operations: Troops kill, arrest armed bandits in Benue and Nasarawa

In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in the North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE yesterday killed three armed bandits in Abaji general area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the Coordinator, defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche, troops of Sectors 2 and 4 swiftly mobilized to the area to flush out the bandits following credible intelligence reports on the hideout of some notorious elements who were alleged to be terrorizing the general area.

“Troops made contact with armed bandits around Asogo village who on sighting troops opened fire on them and thereafter fled into the surrounding bushes. Troops promptly returned fire thereby killing 3 while one locally made pistol and 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered.

“In the same vein, still on same 26 November 2020, troops of Sector 3, carried out a dawn raid on the residence of some henchmen said to be behind recent clashes between herders and farmers at Atiyagiso community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

“During the operation, troops successfully apprehended 2 suspects namely Mr Abdulkareem and Mohammed Sani who confessed their involvement in the crime following which they were handed over to the police for further action.” He added.

General Enenche further assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones. He therefore called on members of the public to continue providing credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

See Faces of Suspected Bandits Arrested By Troops Of Operation Accord In Zamfara State

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November 27, 2020

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Troops of Operation ACCORD have intensified the onslaught against armed bandits in the North West zone with attendant successes. Following credible intelligence on movement of suspected bandits, troops of Operation ACCORD on 26 November 2020 arrested 6 youths at Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to the Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche, the suspects were claimed to have returned from Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that 2 of them were confirmed to be bandits while 2 others were suspected to be new recruits into the camp of a notorious bandit known as Turji.

“Further search of their phones showed pictures of suspects practicing weapon handling. The suspects confessed to be bandits as alleged. Currently the suspects are in custody for further action.

“Troops have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols to deny bandits freedom of action. The general public is thus encouraged to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.” He added.

Wife of Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff kidnapped

Metro

Toby

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November 27, 2020

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Wife of Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff kidnapped

Wife of Olugbenga Ale, Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been reportedly kidnapped on Friday afternoon.

“She was abducted today around Owena. The location is inward Akure after Joseph Ayo Babalola University. That’s all I know for now”, a source said.

Akeredolu has visited Ale immediately after the news of the kidnap broke out to show solidarity and assured that m security agencies have swung into action.

The incident occurred 24 hours after the murder of Oba Adegoke Isreal Adeusi, the traditional ruler of Ifon in Ose Local Government Area.

The traditional ruler was on Thursday evening shot along Benin-Owo-Akure highway at Elegbeka of Ose Local Government.

The monarch was said to be returning to Ifon from Akure, the state capital, where he had gone to attend a meeting before running into the gunmen who had laid ambush on the highway.

Scores of armed bandits meet their waterloo as air raids destroy camps in Katsina

Recent News

Toby

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November 27, 2020

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Scores of armed bandits meet their waterloo as air raids destroy camps in Katsina

The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has recorded more successes against armed bandits in the North West of the Country with the obliteration of another camp and neutralization of scores of their fighters at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State.

Air strikes executed by the Air Component equally resulted in the destruction of some structures at a camp in Dunya Forest also in Katsina State.

In a statement Friday, the coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said the air raids were conducted on 23 and 24 November 2020 on the heels of impeccable intelligence reports indicating that the 2 camps, with their clusters of huts, were among the locations being used by the terrorists-affiliated armed bandits to store their sophisticated weapons and plan attacks.

Aerial surveillance missions also established pattern-of-life evidence of the presence of black attire-wearing terrorists at the 2 locations.

Consequently, the Air Component dispatched an appropriate force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships, which engaged the 2 locations in successive passes, destroying portions of the camps, including their storage facilities, which were seen engulfed in flames. HUMINT sources later confirmed that no fewer than 37 bandits were neutralized at Dunya while many more were killed at Birnin Kogo.

Clearance Operations: Troops Kill Armed Bandits, Recover Arms and Arrest Suspected Bandits in Benue, Nasarawa States

admin

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November 27, 2020

0

In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in the North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE yesterday killed three armed bandits in Abaji general area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche, troops of Sectors 2 and 4 swiftly mobilized to the area to flush out the bandits following credible intelligence reports on the hideout of some notorious elements who were alleged to be terrorizing the general area.

“Troops made contact with armed bandits around Asogo village who on sighting troops opened fire on them and thereafter fled into the surrounding bushes. Troops promptly returned fire thereby killing 3 while one locally made pistol and 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered.

“In the same vein, still on same 26 November 2020, troops of Sector 3, carried out a dawn raid on the residence of some henchmen said to be behind recent clashes between herders and farmers at Atiyagiso community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

“During the operation, troops successfully apprehended 2 suspects namely Mr Abdulkareem and Mohammed Sani who confessed their involvement in the crime following which they were handed over to the police for further action.” He added.

General Enenche further assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones. He therefore called on members of the public to continue providing credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

Scores of Armed Bandits Meet Their Waterloo As Air Raids Destroy Camps In Katsina

admin

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November 27, 2020

0

The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has recorded more successes against armed bandits in the North West of the Country with the obliteration of another camp and neutralization of scores of their fighters at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State.

Air strikes executed by the Air Component equally resulted in the destruction of some structures at a camp in Dunya Forest also in Katsina State.

In a statement Friday, the coordinator Defence Media Operations Major
General John Enenche said the air raids were conducted on 23 and 24 November 2020 on the heels of impeccable intelligence reports indicating that the 2 camps, with their clusters of huts, were among the locations being used by the terrorists-affiliated armed bandits to store their sophisticated weapons and plan attacks. Aerial surveillance missions also established pattern-of-life evidence of the presence of black attire-wearing terrorists at the 2 locations.

Consequently, the Air Component dispatched an appropriate force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships, which engaged the 2 locations in successive passes, destroying portions of the camps, including their storage facilities, which were seen engulfed in flames. HUMINT sources later confirmed that no fewer than 37 bandits were neutralized at Dunya while many more were killed at Birnin Kogo.

Army spokesman, Sagir Musa becomes Brigadier General as Nigerian Army promotes senior officers

Recent News

Toby

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November 27, 2020

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The Acting Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Sagir Musa has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Others include the former Army scribe, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Brigadier General Hassan Ahmed the Army Provost Marshal who were also promoted to the rank of Major General.

The promotion follows the approval of Army Council to promote deserving senior to the next ranks of Brigadier General and Major General respectively on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col Sagir Musa said, total of 39 Brigadier Generals are lucky to be meritoriously promoted to Major General, while 97 Colonels have also been elevated to Brigadier General accordingly.

Those lucky to be promoted to Major General are – Brigadier General OO Oluyede Acting Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Damaturu, Brigadier General BR Sinjen Acting Director Operations, Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations, Brigadier General AK Ibrahim Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maiduguri, Brigadier General OR Aiyenigba Head Operations Monitoring Team Army Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General SG Mohammed Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brigadier General UU Bassey of the Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General KN Garba Office of the Chief Army Staff, Army Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General A Bande Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto,
Brigadier General CV Eze Nigerian Army Special Projects, Office of the Chief of Army Staff,
Brigadier General KI Yusuf Acting Chief of Accounts and Budget of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General SI Igbinowanhia Acting Commander Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno.

Others are – Brigadier General H Ahmed Acting Provost Marshal (Army), Brigadier General AS Ndalolo Nigerian High Commission London, Brigadier General AA Fayemiwo Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Brigadier General IM Jallo Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brigadier General E Akerejola of Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, Brigadier General AJ Fagge Ministry of Defence Abuja, Brigadier General JO Ochai Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General IS Ali Department of Defence Logistics Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General GU Chibuisi Headquarters 19 Brigade Baga, Brigadier General S Dahiru of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre Jaji, Brigadier General OO Soyele Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General ML Augie Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Brigadier General PI Eze Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, Brigadier General BH Mohammed Commandant Nigerian Military School Zaria, Brigadier General EAP Undiandeye Defence Intelligence Agency Abuja, Brigadier General MK Yunusa of Command Finance Office Apapa Lagos, Brigadier General AM Dauda National Defence College Abuja, Brigadier General JO Iwara Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, Brigadier General MG Kangye, Brigadier General GB Audu Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General TT Numbere Post Housing Development Limited Abuja, Brigadier General R Abubakar of Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General NC Ugbo Nigerian Army School of Signals Apapa Lagos, Brigadier General AI Taiwo 81 Military Intelligence Brigade Lagos, Brigadier General BH Tsoho Nigerian Army College of Education Ilorin, Brigadier General HG Tafida Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Makurdi and Brigadier LM Zakari Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology Makurdi and Brigadier General BU Yahaiya Nigerian Defence Section Cairo.

Those Promoted to Brigadier General are –
Colonels BA Muhammadu of Defence Intelligence Agency Abuja, Colonel AA Egbejule Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, UM Alkali of Army War College Nigeria, DC Bako (promoted Posthumously), AK Lawal Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Monguno, ID Oloyede Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, AM Usman Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja, SM Uba of 401 Special Forces Command, Cross kauwa, AGL Haruna Commander 7 Division Garrison Maiduguri, AIM Lapai of 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Onitsha, OD Williams 244 Reconnaissance Battalion Saki, IA Ajose Training and Doctrine Command, Minna, OA Awolo Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations, AM Grema 402 Special Forces Brigade Ngamdu, EA Orakwe Headquarters 5 Brigade Gubio, AA Idris of 1 Military Intelligence Brigade, Kaduna.

Also elavated to Brigadier General include – UG Yusuf of Army Headquarters Abuja, Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, MHB Manu Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji, D Dieke of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Kaduna, JK Feboke Defence Headquarters Abuja, OS Obot Headquarters 404 Engineer Brigade Doma, Nasarawa, S
Musa Army Headquarters, Directorate of Army Public Relations, UG Simon Headquarters 33 Brigade Bauchi, JD Bulus Headquarters Command Finance Office Lagos, OB Davies Defence Headquarters, MA Sadiq Headquarters Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, EA Obona Army Headquarters Garrison Finance, H Sarkin Fulani Army Headquarters Garrison Supply and Transport, OSA Fashina Sector 2 Military Intelligence Brigade Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Col E Egbe 303 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Jos.

Others include – IEE Akpaumontia Nigerian Defence Section Harare, IU Akpan Army War College Nigeria, MK Ibrahim Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, Abuja, NUC Ogili 37 Brigade Garrison Maiduguri, A Rabiu Directorate of Army Recruitment Resettlement and Reserve Abuja, Col MCE Ejike of Sector 3 Operation DELTA SAFE Okrika, DK Zirkushu Headquarters 1 Brigade Gusau and OT Ojuoloruntaiye Defence Headquarters Communications, SA Emmanuel Headquarters 57 Signal Brigade Maiduguri among others.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has congratulated all the promoted officers and their families, and urged them to redouble their efforts to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Court sentences Rep member to prison for perjury

Nigeria

coic

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November 27, 2020

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Court sentences Rep member to prison for perjury

A Magistrate Court in Wuse, Zone 6, has sentenced a member of the House of Representatives, Victor Mela, to a month imprisonment.

The lawmaker who represents Billiri/Balanga federal constituency in Gombe, was, however, given an option of fine.

The court found the lawmaker guilty of lying under oath while filling the CD001 INEC form prior to the 2019 elections.

The magistrate had, however, set a different date for sentencing of the lawmaker after his lawyer pleaded for leniency.

The court took the decision after finding Mela culpable of swearing to an affidavit thrice, denying citizenship of another country whereas he has a Canadian passport.

His conviction follows his prosecution by the police in Abuja.

The lawmaker had after the November 10 judgment by the magistrate said he would appeal the decision.

He tweeted, “I would like to call on our friends, supporters and our sympathisers to remain calm as well as rest assured that I will challenge today’s perverse decision at the appellate court, immediately·”

It is unclear if the lawmaker has appealed the judgment.

Mela, who is 47 years old, earned a degree in geology from the University of Jos in 1999 and a master’s in sedimentology and petroleum geology from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in 2006.

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and is vice-chairman of the solid minerals committee.