Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has called for peace and stability in the state as the planned August 1-10, 2024 nationwide protests loom.
AbdulRazaq said the people of the state are very peaceful and thoughtful and will avoid any action that may disrupt the peace of the state or cause the destruction of lives and businesses.
In a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Friday, the governor said, “I’m confident that the people of Kwara, whether old or young, understand that challenges of life are not to be tackled through actions that may cause further damage or have negative consequences for themselves, their families, our state, and our country.
“Kwarans learn from history. Together as a people, we faced the horror of the ENDSARS protest that some roughnecks used as a smokescreen to loot properties, and businesses, and attack innocent citizens. We had to deploy scarce resources to support many of the businesses that were ruined so that no further job losses would be recorded. The scars of ENDSARS remain with many families today.
“I understand that many of our citizens want faster actions to ease the economic situation. This is a valid concern to which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all of us in government continue to respond through multidimensional approaches.
“However, the worst we can do to ourselves at this time is to adopt any action that may worsen things, especially for businesses or public infrastructure put in place to serve all of us.
“To our young people, social media influencers, and opinion moulders, I urge you to help mobilise for national growth, peace, harmony, improved socioeconomic development, general well-being, and stability. Let us avoid any action that may end in collective regret, loss of lives, or destruction of our common patrimony.
“A protest of any kind, however well-intentioned, may trigger destructive actions. Let us not give in to whatever temptations to set our state or country on the path of instability.
“I commend the different stakeholders in the state, including community associations across the state, for mobilising for peace and stability. That is the way to go as our challenges will not disappear when we turn against one another. Our challenges are better discussed and steadily resolved in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” the statement added.
Kwara: Gov Abdulrazaq urges citizens to work for peace, stability
Kwara: Gov Abdulrazaq urges citizens to work for peace, stability
Anambra police parade 13 for kidnapping, others, recover explosives
The Anambra State Police Command has reported the recovery of no fewer than 20 improvised explosive devices, rifles, and other exhibits during several operations carried out across different parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Itam, disclosed this to journalists in Awka during a press briefing on Friday, adding that the operations were conducted by police operatives and other allied agencies.
During the briefing, the CP also paraded 13 suspects, who he said were arrested in various parts of the state for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related crimes.
While parading the suspects, Itam revealed their names: Emeka Okolo (aged 29), from Ihiala, Anambra State; Uchenna John (aged 21), from Ebonyi State; and Victor Iniukpong (aged 31), from Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested while attempting to disconnect the tracker from a car belonging to a victim they had kidnapped on July 15 in Nimo community, Njikoka LGA of Anambra, where they also shot one person dead during the incident.
The CP also mentioned Nnatu Chiedozie (aged 43), from Enugu Ukwu, Anambra; Onyeka Okoye (aged 22), from Uruagu Mbaukwu in Anambra; and Ndubuisi Abate (aged 19), from Ayamelum, Anambra, as other suspects who were arrested for a kidnapping-related crime committed in Obosi on July 21.
Additionally, Emeka Okotor (aged 18), from Awka; Chidubem Ejiofor (aged 18), from Awka; Chigbo Nwankwo (aged 20), from Awka; and Chijioke Onyibor (aged 18), from Awka, were arrested for armed robbery and cultism-related crimes in Awka.
Also paraded were Chigbogu Favour (aged 33), from Ihiala, Anambra, and Mbanefo Udeze (aged 36), from Oraifite, Anambra, who had travelled to Anambra to kidnap their victims and took them to Asaba where they had their hideouts.
Other suspects paraded included Chigaemezu Okafor, popularly known as England (aged 26), from Mbano, Imo State, and Uchenna Nwaiwu (aged 20), from Ngor Okpala, also in Imo State, who have masterminded several kidnapping incidents in different parts of Anambra State.
Ugochukwu Francis (aged 36), who has been involved in a series of kidnapping and armed robbery cases in Anambra State with his syndicate, was also paraded.
Itam noted that arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. He also announced that police operatives and other security agencies had recovered about 20 improvised explosive devices from different parts of the state, where the gunmen had strategically positioned them for detonation.
He said, “The recovered bombs include: Attacking Mile IED (recovered from an ESN camp at Ugbenu, close to Isuaniocha in Awka North LGA); Attacking Mile IED (recovered from Aguluezechukwu ESN Camp); six Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from Ogbunka ESN Camp); nine Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from an ESN camp); and two Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from a vehicle abandoned by the ESN along the Ogbunka axis).”
“We reassure you that the Command will maintain the tempo of operations to restore peace throughout the state. I also want to use this opportunity to assure Ndi Anambra and all those engaged in legitimate businesses that we are prepared to sustain our efforts to restore peace across the state.
“On behalf of all law enforcement and security agencies in the state, I want to say that we understand the magnitude of the trust placed in us to protect life and property. Despite obvious systemic challenges, the officers and men of the command are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all well-meaning citizens, and I am confident that we are winning the fight against crime in the state.”
Regarding the recent spate of kidnappings around Dubai Estate in Awka, the Police Commissioner noted that the Command is investigating to ascertain the true situation.
He warned against the circulation and peddling of unverified security-related information in the media, which, he said, creates panic and could jeopardise police investigations.
He advised anyone with security-related information to contact the police for proper action and response.
Reacting to the proposed nationwide hunger protest, Itam said the Anambra State Police Command would not prevent people from protesting. However, any form of violence or violent protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state would not be tolerated.
He cautioned that some people might attempt to hijack the protest to perpetrate crimes or victimise others, including those not involved.
“I want to state clearly that the Police are mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters, including their routes and locations of interest. However, the Command will not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state,” Itam added.
The According reported that within two months of Itam assuming duties as Anambra Police Commissioner, he announced the arrest of no fewer than 200 other suspects involved in various crimes and the recovery of several guns and over 1,644 bullets.
Reinstate Ndume as Senate Chief Whip now – Borno APC leaders
Leaders of the Southern Borno Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to his position as Senate Chief Whip.
Spokesperson for the APC group, Baba Ahmed Mustapha, made this demand during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.
The APC leaders while expressing support for Ndume for speaking truth to power, said there was nothing wrong with his decision to point President Bola Tinubu to the hardships Nigerians were going through.
They urged the APC National Working Committee, NWC, and the Senate to reinstate Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, stressing that Ndume has no plans to leave the party.
They also faulted a recent verbal attack by one Mr Daniel Bwala, on Ndume, describing him as an inconsistent fellow whose political antecedents are not so legendary.
“We appreciate and respect Daniel Bwala’s right to express his opinion on any issue as guaranteed by the Constitution just as the Senator when he knew that the observations made were within the bounds of the Constitution.
“As a learned lawyer, he knew that the provision of section 39 which guarantees the freedom of expression is applicable to all citizens. We make no excuses for the Senator. As a being, he has deficiencies. As a politician, he may not have lived up to people’s expectations. But we are proud that he has stood up to be counted when it matters most.
“He refused to behave like the ostrich, who, seeing the approaching storm, buried its head in the sand. His statement was made within the context of a call for a proactive action by the government rather than an instigation against it,” They said.
They wondered why Bwala who once accused President Tinubu of ruling with a stolen mandate could turn out to support what he had condemned.
Reinstate Ndume as Senate Chief Whip now – Borno APC leaders
CAC issues guidelines for banks recapitalisation, merger
The Corporate Affairs Commission has issued fresh guidelines to assist Deposit Money Banks in the ongoing recapitalisation.
The commission, in a statement signed by its management and posted on its Facebook account on Friday, said the new directive is pursuant to its powers under Section 8 (1) (e) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020, stressing immediate adherence to the policy.
It said the new guidelines were issued to guide proper filing for new incorporations, increase in share capitals, mergers and upgrade or downgrade of licence authorisation.
For new incorporations, the CAC stated that intending applicants must submit necessary requirements including, “An approved name reservation or availability, approval-in-principle from sector regulator, duly completed on-line incorporation form and payment of stamp duty and filing fees for the category of license authorisation.”
It added that a certificate of incorporation shall be issued within 24 hours for applications that satisfy all requirements for incorporation of companies prescribed in the, “Commission’s operations checklists available at www.cac.gov.ng/resources.”
Also, banking institutions seeking to increase their share capital through private placements, rights issues and/or offers for subscription must submit a duly signed company resolution, return of allotment and other statutory declaration by directors verifying that the issued share capital is fully paid- up
Other requirements include, “Notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required, an affidavit deposed to by a director of the company to the effect that regulatory approval is required for the increase, an amended memorandum of association reflecting the new share capital.
“Payment of stamp duties and filing fees, Issuance of a letter acknowledging notice of increase and requirement of regulatory approval, filing of regulatory approval and the issuance of a certificate of increase.”
Under this category, the commission warned that the notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 127 (3), (4) & (5) of CAMA.
“Annual returns and information on persons with significant control must be filed up-to-date and certificate of increase shall be issued within 24 hours of filing of regulatory approval,” it said.
Similarly, small and medium banking institutions seeking to merge must submit duly signed special resolution for merger by each of the merging companies.
Other requirements are “the scheme of merger duly approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“A certified true copy of court order authorising Extraordinary General Meeting of each of the merging companies. Evidence of publication of court ordered meeting in two newspapers and the Federal Gazette and a CTC of Court order sanctioning the Scheme of Merger.
“All enquiries and complaints on these guidelines and applications submitted in pursuance of the recapitalisation exercise should be addressed to [email protected] or call +234 816 920 9551,” the statement added.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria in March 2024 directed all banks to increase their capital base for improved productivity.
The apex bank had directed commercial banks with international authorisation to increase their capital base to N500bn and national banks to N200bn.
It also said commercial banks with national licences must meet a N200bn threshold, while those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve a N50bn capital floor.
This process has commenced fully with banks issuing public offers and rights issues to meet the two year target.
Lagos suspends e-call-up system on Lekki-Epe corridor
The Lagos State Government has suspended plans for the commencement of its e-call-up system on the Lekki-Epe corridor until further notice.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement on Friday, said the decision is coming after further consideration of stakeholders’ request to extend the timeliness in order to give adequate room for full compliance.
“As a result of this, the Lagos State Government has postponed the commencement of the E-Call Up system on the Lekki-Epe corridor,” Osiyemi said.
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to ramp up full preparation in readiness for the successful take-off of the technology-driven solution of truck movement on the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Recall that the state government had planned to commence the e-call system operation on the Lekki-Epe axis to tackle the chaotic traffic gridlock being caused by truckers.
According to the state government, the e-call up system is an innovative digital platform designed to manage and coordinate the movement of trucks within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor.
It is hoped that the system will help to prevent traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of logistics operations in the area.
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We need N60bn to provide furniture for 4.5m primary schools pupils – Kano govt
The Kano Government says it needs over N60 billion to provide furniture for 4.5 million primary and secondary school pupils who learn sitting on the bare floor in the state.
The state Commissioner of Education Umar Haruna revealed this while speaking to newsmen, Thursday in his office, emphasizing that over 80 percent of schools were left to decay by the former administration.
Umar who lamented the decay in the education sector in Kano blamed the situation on the immediate past Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said hundreds of boarding schools are now occupied by reptiles and Rabbits.
“The former Governor Ganduje destroyed a very good system he inherited from his predecessor Rabiu Kwankwaso by closing down some schools which has contributed to killing the structures.”
He explained that Kano has ten thousand schools with seven million students adding that out of that number, 4.5 million students receive lessons sitting on the ground.
Haruna commended the initiatives of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for declaring a state of Emergency on Education and improving its budget.
He expressed the readiness of the state government to revive the sector and make Kano a citadel of learning.
The Kano Education Commissioner added that plans are on by the state government to implement the Education policy beginning with Government College Kano through the provisions of instructional materials and renovation of dilapidated infrastructure.
We need N60bn to provide furniture for 4.5m primary schools pupils – Kano govt
Fire guts Lagos warehouse, destroys goods
A fire outbreak in a factory warehouse in Lagos on Friday destroyed some goods estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The Lagos State Management Agency announced this in Lagos on Friday.
LASEMA Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said the incident happened at Josien Factory Warehouse, Abule Osun, Lagos State.
He said that the agency responded to a distress call through its toll-free lines at 8.28 am on Friday.
“The agency responded to the distress call by activating its Dolphin Response Team from the Igando Base.
“On arriving at the scene, responders discovered a warehouse storing diapers, solar batteries, foreign charcoal and massaging seats within the Josien factory complex engulfed in flames.
“The immediate cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained as the warehouse was locked at the time the incident occurred.
“No casualties or injuries were recorded due to the incident as there were no occupants in the building as of the time of the fire incident,” he said.
He said that safety measures were activated by all members of the multi-agency response teams to ensure the safety of responders at the incident scene during the operation.
“LASEMA is coordinating the operation in collaboration with the LASG Fire and Rescue officials.
“Goods and property worth millions of naira were damaged in the incident.
“However, a significant quantity of goods equally worth millions of naira were salvaged by the LASEMA Response Team during the operation,” he said.
He added that strategic and collaborative efforts were deployed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent warehouses.
“The situation has been brought under control. Dampening down operation has commenced and recovery operation is still ongoing,” he said.
(NAN)
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Organizers of #EndBadGovernance protest are opportunists after political power —Omokri
Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has denounced the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests, saying they are opportunists who are after political power.
Omokri who made the assertion in a post on X on Friday, said the protests are not about the hardship in the country but about the selfish interests of the conveners who are desperate for power.
He cited some of the demands of the protest organizers which include an unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, wondering what that has got to do with the situation in the country.
“I have organised protests in Nigeria and abroad and can tell you that this current planned protest is not against economic hardship, as the organisers tell you,” Omokri wrote.
“Look at their demands. More than half of their demands are political. They have nothing to do with the economy. These people are opportunists. They are seeking to ride in (sic) the anger of some Nigerians to achieve their political ambitions.
“They should either start or join a political party and then use it to achieve their political agenda instead of claiming that they are protesting against hunger and hardship and then asking for the 1999 Constitution to be scrapped and the release of Nnamdi Kanu. What have those things got to do with hunger and hardship?
“How can you say I should support a protest where one of the demands is the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, a man who called for the destruction of Nigeria? That automatically means that by supporting this protest, I am also supporting the destruction of Nigeria.
“What about the hundreds of soldiers and police officers who were killed after Nnamdi Kanu released a video asking his supporters to kill soldiers and police? Who will protest for them?
“Tufiakwa with your protest!”
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Nigeria isn’t second option, Obi warns Nigerian footballers abroad
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi has issued a stern warning to footballers of Nigerian descent who ply their trade abroad, stating that Nigeria is not a second option.
Obi made this known in a video posted on Friday morning while appearing on his The Obi One Podcast show.
The former Chelsea star who recently interviewed his former coach, Carlo Ancelotti, opined that any football talent of Nigerian or African descent should never treat the country or continent of their roots as a second option.
“We’re not second options. don’t wait until 29, 30, then you’re (like) ‘Oh, Nigerian FA, I’m ready to play for you now’ No, f**k off mate.” READ MORE
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Ogun pensioners commend Abiodun for N2bn gratuity release, request wage increase
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, in Ogun State have commended the state governor, Dapo Abiodun on the release of an additional two billion naira to offset the gratuity payments of pensioners in the state.
They, however, appealed to the governor to approve and release the long-awaited consequential increase in pensions along with the impending new wage increase.
The commendation was made in a statement signed by the chairman, Waheed Oloyede and Secretary, Bola Lawal, on Friday.
The pensioners describe the payment as a lifesaver that will drastically reduce the backlog of owed gratuities.
“The Executive Council and the entire membership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, hereby express deep and sincere appreciation to our lovely, loving and ever-caring father, leader and pensioners-friendly executive governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for your kind-hearted compassion at releasing another sum of N2 billion Naira to us. This is meant to drastically reduce the backlog of owned gratuities.
” In furtherance of our major demands, we, the entire membership of NUP, here again, make use of this opportunity to passionately appeal and make requests for the approval and release of the long-awaited consequential increase in pensions along with the impending new wage increase.
“This is to further increase the economic powers of the vulnerable retiree at the open market and also offer us the opportunity to live a healthy life in the wake of the present ever-soaring inflationary trends before death comes knocking”, the statement reads.
Ogun pensioners commend Abiodun for N2bn gratuity release, request wage increase