The Edo State Government has called on the Federal government to set up an investigative panel to unravel the cause of the shooting that claimed the life of a police officer at the Benin Airport gate on Thursday.
TVN reports that a Police Inspector attached to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was shot dead during an attack by suspected political thugs.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the call at a press briefing on Friday in Benin City.
Nehikhare said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Funsho Adegboye, was a witness to what happened at the Benin Airport.
According to him, Shaibu got judgment and flew into Benin with his friends and before entering Benin, he mobilised armed thugs to wait for him at the airport.
“And on arrival they unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of Edo State and in the process a Police officer was killed and many others were injured.
“The state Commissioner of Police had intelligence report and went to the airport to caution him not to allow his boys to assemble at the airport or anywhere in the state. He defied the advice.
“We had appealed the judgement reinstating him as the deputy governor and filled stay of execution immediately we got Certified True Copy (CTC) and he was shown the restraining order from the court.”
Nehikhare called on the commissioner of police to arrest Philip Shaibu, noting that as it stands today, he is no longer the deputy governor and has no immunity.
“We are now calling on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to look into the crisis.
“The whole thing happened in the presence of the commissioner of police and he is one of the witnesses,” he added.
Nehikhare vowed that the state government would no longer fold its arms and watch as thugs cause mayhem the state.
He stated that efforts are being made to ensure that the violence does not degenerate further, adding that government was resolute that election would be free and fair in the state.
The commissioner, however, alleged that the opposition party wants to draw the attention of the Federal Government and create the impression of anarchy and call for state of emergency.
He urged the public to remain calm.
Edo Govt urges FG to probe killing of policeman, demands Shaibu’s arrest
Edo Govt urges FG to probe killing of policeman, demands Shaibu’s arrest
Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims troops killed 125 suspected terrorists in 7 days
The Defence Headquarters claimed on Friday troops deployed to various parts of the country killed 125 suspected terrorists, in the last week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while giving update on the operations of the military across the country.
He said the troops arrested 200 others and rescued 140 hostages during the period.
Buba said the troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunitions comprising 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 Dane guns, one SMG rifle and seven pump action guns.
Other recovered items are one fabricated Barretta pistol, 5x60mm mortar bomb and Unexploded Ordinances, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62x54mm, 78 live cartridges and 24 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
The rest are – 21 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, five bicycles, 38 mobile phones and the sum of N2.7 million.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims troops killed 177 terrorists in one week
The spokesman said: “In the North- East, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages within the week.
“The troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, seven fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, one SMG gun, 16 magazines, 408 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo and 5x60mm mortar bombs amongst others.
“In the North-Central, men of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 22 insurgents, arrested 38 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.
“In the North-West, troops of Hadarin Daji, neutralised 31 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovered cache of arms.”
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LG poll: Akwa Ibom community decries marginalization, seeks chairmanship slot
The Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has raised the alarm over what they described as ‘historical marginalization’ in both appointive and elective positions since the creation of the council in 1989 and return of democracy in 1999.
Arising from a stakeholders meeting on Friday, they insisted that the chairmanship position for the upcoming local government elections should be zoned to the area.
In a communique endorsed by Victor Ufford, Samuel Rufus and Godwin Udofot, the people lamented that out of numerous significant roles in government, only one personal assistant to the governor has hailed from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
According to the communique, “No Chairman or Transition Committee Chairman has ever been from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2. Out of 138 appointed officers in Mkpat Enin since 1999, only one has been from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, compared to much higher numbers from other wards.
“It is now Ikpa Ibom Ward 2’s turn to produce the next Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA.
“We call for support from other wards within the Ikpa Ibom Clan and from other clans in Mkpat Enin to ensure fair representation.”
The communique which commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno for his development efforts in the state, including the appointment of Akanimo Bob Ikpe from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 as a Personal Assistant, however emphasized that such was the first appointment of its kind for their ward since 1999, underscoring the depth of their marginalization.
The communique added, “In conclusion, the forum called for the equitable distribution of political, social, traditional, and economic opportunities within Mkpat Enin, beginning with the chairmanship of the local government.
“Government and relevant stakeholders should address and rectify the longstanding neglect of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, promoting peace, equity, and justice in the region.”
LG poll: Akwa Ibom community decries marginalization, seeks chairmanship slot
Rivers Assembly crisis: Appeal Court dismisses case against Tinubu, Fubara, others
An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out an appeal filed by His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe and nine others against a judgment of the Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nworgu.
The initial suit was against President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Martins Amaewhule and 24 others, and was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Nworgu had previously struck out the suit filed by Sara-Igbe and nine other Rivers elders, ruling that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The three-man panel of the Appeal Court, led by Justice Elfreda Oluwayamisi-Dawodu, on Friday dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the state High Court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, describing the plaintiffs’ actions as merely academic exercises.
The claimants had approached the High Court seeking interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution regarding whether President Tinubu had the legal right to direct the governor to re-present the 2024 budget to 24 lawmakers led by Amaewhule, even after their seats were declared vacant.
Justice Nworgu, during a ruling on applications for substituted service against Amaewhule, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party, had struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, leading to the appeal.
Rivers Assembly crisis: Appeal Court dismisses case against Tinubu, Fubara, others
100 Civil Society Groups Pledge to Boycott Protest Against Federal Government
***Laud Tinubu’s Ministers for Implementing Key Reforms
One hundred civil society groups in Nigeria, under the United for Greater Nigeria Coalition (UGNC), have announced their decision to boycott the planned mass protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The coalition cited the administration’s progress in key sectors and the implementation of impactful reforms by some ministers as reasons for their decision.
According to UGNC, the Tinubu administration has made tangible and impactful achievements in just one year in office, rendering any negative criticism or demonstration against his administration moot.
The coalition praised ministers Festus Keyamo, Abubakar Kyari, and Joseph Terlumun Utsev for their innovative ideas and pragmatic approaches, which have positively impacted the common masses.
“After thorough deliberation, we have unanimously decided to boycott the planned mass protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” said a statement by its co-coveners Comrade Timothy Achaluda and Abubakar Babangida Abubakar.
“Our decision is informed by the fact that the tangible and impactful achievements of Tinubu’s administration in just one year in office have ultimately rendered any negative criticism or demonstration against his administration moot.
“Before arriving at this decision, we took time to carefully reassess the performance of Tinubu’s administration in the last year and found the achievements to be beyond expectations.
“The efforts and dedication of some Ministers like Festus Keyamo (Aviation and Aerospace Development), Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture and Food Security), and Joseph Terlumun Utsev (Water Resources and Sanitation) towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are particularly commendable.
“The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has revitalized the sector and reshaped the ministry with his innovative ideas. He has improved infrastructure and restored dignity at the nation’s airports.
“H.E. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has revolutionized farming in the country. His promotion of the all-year-round farming initiative is a good step towards addressing food and nutrition security.
“The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has demonstrated a pragmatic approach to solving the many problems confronting the country’s surface and groundwater resources, thereby catalyzing socio-economic growth and prosperity.
“The performances of the ministers show that the Tinubu’s administration is on track and needed a little more time to meet the yearnings of the masses. We are satisfied with developments in some of these key sectors and will not allow enemies of the country to roll back the progress being made by Keyamo, Utsev, and Kyari, whose policies and reforms have positively impacted the common masses.
“We have it on good authority that the planned mass protests, allegedly aimed at addressing poor governance in Nigeria, are being orchestrated by individuals with hidden agendas.
“These protests do not genuinely reflect the will of the people but rather constitute a reckless attempt to incite violence, sow disorder, and divert the government’s attention from addressing the people’s priorities.
The coalition, therefore, urged Nigerians, especially youths, to shun the protests and instead continue to support the Tinubu administration’s efforts to steer Nigeria towards a prosperous future.
“We urge Nigerians to give the Tinubu administration the necessary support and time to implement its policies, which are designed to benefit all citizens,” the statement noted.
“We call on the police and other relevant agencies to be on alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the planned mass protests.
“We urge them to be vigilant and ensure that the protests do not degenerate into violence and chaos.”
NDLEA seize N9.8bn shipment of codeine cough syrup at Onne Port
Nigeria’s drug enforcement agency has scored a major victory in the fight against prescription drug abuse.
In a major operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted seven containers containing over 1.2 million bottles of codeine cough syrup with a street value of N9.8 billion.
The seizure took place on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at the Onne Ports in Rivers State. According to a statement by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the containers originated from India and arrived on the Maersk Vigo Vessel. All seven containers were found to be carrying a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, weighing over 184,000 kilograms.
A statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, said, “The latest seizure made on Thursday 18th July 2024 is the fourth and last set of such consignments that have been under the watchlist of the Agency’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team, which worked in partnership with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the Agency and other security agencies.
“The agencies included the Nigeria Customs Service for a 100 percent joint examination of the targeted containers.
READ ALSO: India-based Nigerian couple wanted by NDLEA, four cartel members arrested
“This followed credible intelligence and months of diligent tracking of the consignments from their port of departure.
“At the joint examination of the containers with other security agencies on Thursday, all seven containers were found bearing a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, with 1,229,400 bottles weighing 184,410 kilograms.
“A breakdown of the shipments that came from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel shows that the container marked SEKU 6439421 has 875 cartons with 175,000 bottles of codeine weighing 26,250kg.
“Other items in the container include 70 cartons of chilli cutters and 55 cartons of hyregra tablets weighing 1,100 kg.”
This is the second major seizure of codeine cough syrup at the Onne Ports in recent weeks. Just three weeks prior, NDLEA intercepted another shipment containing 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup, valued at N7.4 billion.
The surge in codeine interceptions raises concerns about a potential rise in prescription drug abuse in Nigeria. Codeine, an opioid pain medication, can be highly addictive when misused.
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Attack on Okpebholo: We have no hand in police officer’s death – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State on Friday in Benin said that the party had no hand in the attack that led to the death of a police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred on Thursday, when Okpebholo and the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Mr Philip Shaibu, arrived Benin airport from Abuja
Briefing newsmen in Benin, a chieftain of PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
Aziegbemi called on the Inspector General of Police to do a post-mortem investigation on the late police officer to determine the cause of death.
” We want to state that the PDP is a very peaceful and law abiding party that would never kill anyone.
” We are a party whose leadership is only interested in development, institutional reforms, among others.
“So we want the IGP to carry out investigation to know how he was shot and the bullet that was used.
“PDP has expressed shock over the wanton destruction of property and the death of a police officer as a result of the violence orchestrated by thugs of the opposition party
“The incidence that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the opposition are in their bid to foist their candidate on Edo people.
” It is quite disheartening that an innocent Police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens
” The PDP expresses deep sorrow over the death of this gallant officer. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that our good Lord grants him eternal rest.
“It is common knowledge that when a court of first instance gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.
He urged Shaibu to wait for the outcome of the judgements of the Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court, ” Aziegbemi said.
According to him, In whose interest is it to cause any mayhem in Edo a few months to an election that the PDP is 100 per cent sure of winning.
He stated that PDP could not work against its interest, adding that the opposition party planned to cause maximum fear in our people before the election.
He, therefore, called for a thorough investigation of the incident, carry out an autopsy on the officer and make its finding public.
Attack on Okpebholo: We have no hand in police officer’s death – PDP
Edo: Philip Shaibu appoints Chief of Staff, other aides
The embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has appointed nine aides to help him discharge his duties.
The appointments was announced by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Musa Ebomhiana.
The appointees are Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants.
According to the statement, their appointment takes immediate effect.
Shaibu appointed Kingsley Ehigiamusor as Chief of Staff, Comrade Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Akhaba as Senior Special Assistant, Mustapha Lawal as Senior Special Assistant and Mr Charles Olubayo as Senior Special Assistant.
Others are Mathias Akhanemhe as Special Assistant, Comrade Robinson Akhenoba as Special Assistant, Robert Ojele as Special Assistant, and Isioma Ogochukwu also as Special Assistant.
Recall that the Edo State House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu following his rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor.
Following his reinstatement, Shaibu had vowed to resume his office, stressing that he remains deputy governor till November when the Edo State governorship election would be conducted.
Edo: Philip Shaibu appoints Chief of Staff, other aides
Nigerians are suffering, it’s patriotic to speak truth to power – Ndume blows hot
The lawmaker representing the Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume on Friday insisted that Nigerians are angry over the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country.
The lawmaker spoke on Friday during a chat with newsmen in Maiduguri, Borno State capital while reacting to his removal as Chief Whip of the Senate.
TVN recalls that the Borno lawmaker was removed on Wednesday following his criticism of the President Bola Tinubu government.
Ndume had raised the alarm over the untoward hardship bedeviling Nigerians, urging the Federal Government to urgently address the situation.
His criticism, however, cost him the position of Chief Whip in the upper legislative chamber.
Addressing journalists on the matter on Friday, Ndume wondered why he was sanctioned, stating that he expected those in power to take his views seriously.
According to him, it is unpatriotic to always be on the side of the President, urging patriotic Nigerians to always speak truth to power.
He said, “It is unpatriotic to stand by Mr President with whatever he does, it is patriotic to speak the truth not only to the President but anybody for that matter. It unpatriotic not to speak the truth to power or anybody and still stand by that.
“People are not happy, people are suffering and angry. Leaders in this country need to take a review; they should get back to me to tell me whether I said anything that is not true or is wrong.
“It is God that gave me that position and it is God that took it, so I bear no grudge against anyone. Afterall, I didn’t contest to be the Chief Whip, I didn’t contest to be the Vice Chairman Appropriation Committee, I contested to be a senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Nigerians are suffering, it’s patriotic to speak truth to power – Ndume blows hot
Govs will turn state police to militia – ex-Reps Speaker Dogara
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Friday warned against the establishment of state police.
Dogara warned that establishment of state police would enable governors to build militias in their domains.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Inside Source with Laolu Akande, the former Speaker described as “laughable” the calls for state police.
He also accused governors of mismanaging state-controlled electoral commissions to have their way during local government elections.
Dogara said, “Look at this country, what is it that has been outsourced to a state that has been properly managed?
“Look at how the state electoral commissions have turned out to be. If I were a governor and I wanted to be a pretentious democrat, I can even say three, four, or five local governments are less consequential to me; let me cede them to oppositions but when they (governors) run these elections, the ruling parties take 100% of the local government chairmen seat.
“If we have state police, what will play out is that we will be giving a hangman the free man to hang, we will enable state governors to build militias.
“They control 100% state assemblies, they control 100% magistrates, area court justices and even the state high court.
“So, when you now reinforce that or strengthen that with the state police, you are making them a judge in their own case, which even runs counter to the principle of democracy.
“What will happen is that if you disagree with your governor, you dare not go home. The state police then becomes a militia used to rig elections by the sitting governors.”
Govs will turn state police to militia – ex-Reps Speaker Dogara