The Nigerian Army says troops will not leave the creeks in Delta State until culprits in the killing of 17 military personnel are caught.

Last week’s killing of the personnel in what is a major blow to the Nigerian Army drew outrage have continued to generate conversations in the country. Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, where the incident took place, was razed following the gruesome attack, further raising fears of reprisals from the military.

But the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA STATE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam assured leaders of the Niger Delta region that troops will be professional in ensuring those behind the incident are nabbed.

"The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA STATE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has assured that troops conducting operations, over the gruesome murder of officers and soldiers at Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA would be firm, strong, decisive and professional in the cause of the operations in the general area,” the Nigerian Army said in a Thursday statement.

"He made this known when the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku paid him a condolence visit at the Division’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks today, 21 March 2024.

“Major General Abdussalam, while appreciating the MD and his team for the visit, said the mission handed to troops by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is basically to recover the weapons carted away by the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure that all those involved are arrested. He further added that troops will continue to be in the creeks until these objectives are achieved.”

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA STATE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has assured that troops conducting operations, over the gruesome murder of officers and soldiers at Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA would be firm, strong, decisive and professional in the cause of the operations in the general area. He made this known when the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku paid him a condolence visit at the Division’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks today, 21 March 2024.

Major General Abdussalam, while appreciating the MD and his team for the visit, said the mission handed to troops by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is basically to recover the weapons carted away by the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure that all those involved are arrested. He further added that troops will continue to be in the creeks until these objectives are achieved.

The GOC further reiterated that no amount of propaganda, arm-twisting, blackmailing, intimidation, and false narratives would distract troops from staying on course to achieve their objectives. He, however, assured that the operations would be conducted in the most professional manner in line with the global best practice of adherence to rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. He called on people of the Niger Delta Region(NDR) to go about their normal activities.

He appealed to people and communities to assist troops regarding the location of the fleeing criminals and the carted away weapons. The Armed Forces of Nigeria, he averred is the symbol of our sovereignty, stressing that the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu captured it succinctly when he said an attack on our Armed Forces is an attack on our nation. Therefore, if we allow criminals to continue to attack our security forces , there will be anarchy, the GOC said.
Major General Abdussalam further said troops will not rest until all those involved are tracked down to account for their deeds. He reassured that the operation is being conducted in such a way that, going forward, nobody would contemplate attacking men in uniform. He also said false narratives being churned out, and propaganda peddled over this mindless criminality would not deter troops from fishing out the criminals.

The GOC appreciated the MD and his team for identifying with the NA at this moment of grief. He added that there would not be development without peace and security. Thus, the two institutions would continue to work together for the common good of society. He called on well-meaning members of the society to avail the NA credible intelligence on where to get the criminals and ensure they answer for their crimes.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill for an Act for upward review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in the country, with a total monthly package of N5.39m for the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

In the executive bill submitted to the Green Chamber on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu, other justices of the Supreme Court are to earn a total package of N4.21m, while the President of the Court of Appeal is to earn a total monthly package of N4.48m.

The bill seeks to amend Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act, No. 6, 2002 (as amended) by deleting Section 2(b), Part II of the Schedule to the Act, and any other provisions relating to judicial office holders.

Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted a letter to the National Assembly praying it to pass a bill seeking to provide new salaries and allowances for judicial officers across the country.

The President’s letter titled, “Transmission of the judicial office holders salaries and allowances etc bill 2024” and dated March 19, 2024, read, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), I forward, herewith, the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Bill, 2024 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.

"The Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Bill, 2024 seeks to prescribe salaries, allowances and fringe benefits for Judicial Officers, to end the prolonged stagnation in their remuneration and to reflect contemporary socio-economic realities.”

When signed into law, the legislation will take effect from January 1, 2024.

A breakdown of the bill showed that the Chief Justice of Nigeria is entitled to N13.46m annual basic salary or N1.12m monthly basic salary.

The CJN, by the provisions of the bill, is also entitled to N51.16m annual regular allowances or N4.26m monthly regular allowances, bringing the total earnings for the nation’s number one law officer to N5.39m per month.

The CJN is also entitled to non-regular allowances of N6.73m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N142,500 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $2,000 estacode (per night), N80,78m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure) and N53.85m as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.

Other justices of the Supreme Court are to earn N9. 91m annual basic salary or N826,116.19 monthly salary.

The justices of the apex court are each entitled to N50. 56m annual regular allowances or N4.21m monthly regular allowances.

The bill also showed that each of them is also entitled to non-regular allowances of N9.91m rent (annually), N4,96m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N100,000 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,300 estacode (per night); N29.74m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure), N29.74m furniture allowance and N39.65m as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.

Utilities and security are to be provided via tax-deferred payments.

Meanwhile, the President of the Court of Appeal is to earn N9. 91m annual basic salary or N826,116 per month.

“He/She is also entitled to N52,54m annual regular allowances or N4.48m monthly regular allowances.

“He/She is also entitled to non-regular allowances of N9 91m rent (annually); N4.96m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N100,000 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,300 estacode (per night); N29.74m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure), N29,74m furniture Allowance and N39,65m as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool,” the bill proposed.

If passed into law, each of the Justices of the Court of Appeal will earn N7.99m annual basic salary or N665,475 monthly salary.

Each of them would be entitled to N44.72m annual regular allowances or N3.73m monthly regular allowances.

They are also entitled each to non-regular allowances of N7.99m rent (annually); N3,99m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N85,500 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,100 estacode (per night); N23,96m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure); N23.96m Furniture Allowance and N31.94m as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge FCT High Court, Grand Khadi FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, Resident FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge State High Court, Grand Kadi State Sharia Court of Appeal and President State Customary Court of Appeal are all entitled to the same salaries, allowances and fringe benefits.

Each of the Justices of the Court of Appeal is entitled to N7.99m annual basic salary or N665,475 monthly salary.

Each of them is also entitled to N42.32m annual regular allowances or N3.52m monthly regular allowances.

Each of them is also entitled to non-regular allowances of N799m rent (annually); N3.99m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N85,500 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,100 estacode (per night); N23,96m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure); N23,96m Furniture Allowance and N31. 94m motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before the expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.

Utilities and security are to be provided (TDP).

Similarly, judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, FCT High Court, FCT Customary Court of Appeal, State High Court, State Customary Court of Appeal, Kadis FCT Sharia Court of Appeal and Kadis State Sharia Court of Appeal are entitled to the same salaries, allowances and fringe benefits.
Each of them is entitled to N7.22m annual basic salary or N601,880 monthly salary.

Each of them is also entitled to N36,84m annual regular allowances, or N3.07m monthly regular allowances.

Each of them is entitled to non-regular allowances of N7. 22m rent (annually); N3.61m Leave Allowance (when applicable), N57,000 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $600 estacode (per night); N21. 68m severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure); N21,68m Furniture Allowance and N28.89m motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before the expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has disclosed that he has not taken any salary from the state since assuming office as governor two years ago.

He said that his wife does not have an official car as the first lady of Anambra State but still drives his personal cars.

The governor said this during the celebration of two years anniversary of his administration at the International Convention Center, Awka, the state capital on Sunday.

Soludo said he is deliberately executing the most austere measure government ever by cutting costs and not borrowing for the last two years.

“Any governor that comes floods you with offers for borrowing and so on and so forth, but we decided for the first two years to demonstrate something, capacity to do more with less.

"And so far as has been said, for two years, despite receiving about 25 per cent in real terms or in dollar terms of what was in the past, we have chosen deliberately not to borrow.

I have been aske severally; ‘how do you do without borrowing and with the difficult circumstances?’ And my answer is that we are doing so because we are executing the most austere measure government ever.

"As I speak to you, I am not taking any salary, I am not paid any salary by Anambra State government. Even the First Lady of Anambra don’t have any official car, she still drives my personal vehicles,” Soludo said.

The governor said that his decision to cut wastes and the cost of governance is to direct resources and prioritise them to things that are important to the people of the state.

He said his administration has prioritised areas that has been neglected in the past, building hospitals, roads schools and others in places that such amenities have never reached.

Soludo assured the people of Anambra that any kobo entrusted in his hand as the governor will be accounted for, saying that if he ever borrows, the people will be shown the projects the loan was used for and how those projects would repay the loan.

The celebration of the two years anniversary of Soludo’s administration was marked with the Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving led by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the destruction of Okuama community in Delta State due to the killing of solders.

There are reports of the destruction of lives and properties in parts of Okuama in Ughelli Local Government Area and Okolaba in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana called for an end to attacks on innocent citizens, saying collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law.

He said, “Yesterday, I condemned the brutal killing of a group of military officers and soldiers in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State which occurred last week. I called for the immediate prosecution of the suspects who have been arrested for their involvement in the heinous crime. I also appealed to the military authorities to prevent soldiers from unleashing reprisal attacks on the communities in Bomadi Local Government Area.

"Unfortunately, some villages were attacked last night by angry soldiers. After the attack the villages were set on fire during the nocturnal military invasion. Having regard to the destruction of Odi and Zaki Biam over killing of soldiers the authorities ought to have taken adequate measures to prevent the attack and burning of the affected villages. It is unfortunate that the federal government has not issued any statement on the barbaric incident.

"In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people in the warring communities. It ought to be pointed out that collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law.

"Therefore, the Delta State Government should ensure that the murder suspects and arsonists among the civilians and soldiers are fished out and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the society.”

There are indications that the Defence Headquarters is preparing to release the names and pictures of the new set of wanted terrorist and bandit leaders.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that this was following the elimination of top terrorists and bandit leaders on the watchlist of the military and the emergence of a new crop of leaders.

The DHQ had in November 2022 declared no fewer than 19 bandit leaders wanted with a bounty of N5m on each of them to encourage Nigerians to volunteer information that could lead to their arrest.

Prominent among those declared wanted were Bello Turji from Fakai village, Zamfara State; Ali Kachalla, aka Ali Kawaje, from Kuyambara village in Danaadau Maru LG of Zamfara State; Ado Aliero, from Yankuzo village, in the Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Halilu Sububu from Sububu village, in the Maradun LGA, Zamfara State.

Also on the list were Sani Dangote from Dumbarum village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State; Leko (Mozoj village, Mutazu LGA, Katsina State); Dogo Nahali (Yar Tsamiyar Jno village, Kankara LGA, Katsina State); Nagona from Angwan Galadima in the Isa Loa area of Sokoto State; Monore from Yantumaki village, Dan LGA, Katsina State; Gwaska Dankarami from Shamushele village in the Zuri LGA of Zamfara State; Baleri from Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State and Mamudu Tainange from Varanda village in Batsari LGA, Katsina State and others.

A source told our correspondent that the military was planning to release a new list of wanted terrorists.

The source noted that work was ongoing on that.

"The authorities are working on a new list of another wanted terrorist and bandit leaders. It will also contain their pictures. Their lists are being compiled.

“We will urge Nigerians to cooperate with us to enable us to neutralise them as we have done in the past. There should be a bounty on them but I can’t say how much. Don’t worry; it will be released to the public very soon,” the source hinted.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that work was ongoing on the new list.

“We are working on the list. It will be out soon,” he said.

Sunday PUNCH reports that the military had during several operations across the various theatres of operations killed many terrorist and bandit leaders.

This includes a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Boderi who allegedly orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings, including those of Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy attacks.

Boderi was said to have been killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in February 2024.

Between February 1 and 28, 2024, the troops killed 10 terrorist kingpins.

The terrorist kingpins are Ashiru, Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala, Laushi, Bangis, Alhaji Kabiru, Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara.

In July 2023, a bandit leader in Zamfara, Dogo Gudali, was killed by the troops.

Similarly in January 2023, a bandit kingpin, popularly known as Alhaji Shadari, and some of his gang members were killed in Zamfara State.

By Adetutu Sobawale

The Nigerian Medical Association in Rivers State said it has arrested one Echi Michael, who has been posing and practising as a medical doctor in the state for over two years.

The NMA, in a statement signed by the State Secretary, Dr Hope Avundaa, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said Michael, a graduate of Banking and Finance from the Cross River State University of Technology, was nabbed by its anti-quackery committee.

Avundaa said the suspect fraudulently applied for the NMA Rivers State Identity Card with fake documents, including a fake MBBS Certificate from the University of Port Harcourt in 2017, and a fake MDCN full registration certificate in 2023 which were found to be falsified.

He added that Michael was arrested on Friday after a period of active surveillance when he appeared for an interview for the post of Medical Officer at Port Harcourt Military Hospital, a place he has paraded himself as a staff member during his application for the NMA ID Card.

The statement read, “The Anti-quackery Committee led by the Chairman NMA, Rivers State, Dr. Ebbi Robinson: Secretary, Dr. Hope Avundaa and VC2 Dr. Edmund Anufuro effected the arrest and detention of Mr. Echi Igbo Michael, a graduate of Banking and Finance (CRUTECH) who has been parading himself and practising for over two years in Rivers State as a medical doctor.

“Tip-off of his crime came to light after he fraudulently applied for NMA Rivers State ID Card with falsified documents which include a fake MBBS Certificate from University of Port Harcourt (2017), a fake MDCN full Registration Certificate (2023) which were found to be falsified.

"Mr. Echi Michael was apprehended today after a period of active surveillance when he appeared for an interview for the post of Medical Officer at Port Harcourt Military Hospital, a place he has paraded himself as a staff during his application for NMA ID Card.”

He added that Michael would be prosecuted, saying, “The culprit has been arrested for prosecution. We thank the authorities of the military hospital for their cooperation.”

Stakeholders in the medical profession have lamented the activities of quacks parading themselves as professionals in the health sector.

In February, some stakeholders attributed the training of auxiliary nurses by private doctors as one of the greatest factors fueling quackery in the country’s health sector.

In February, some stakeholders attributed the training of auxiliary nurses by private doctors as one of the greatest factors fueling quackery in the country’s health sector

They, however, declared that the menace of quackery cannot be contained if such practise is not checked while calling on the government at all levels to take the necessary actions to end the menace.

Senator Abdul Ningi had on Saturday last week while granting an interview to the BBC disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu-led government was implementing a different budget other than that what was approved by the senate.

Nigeria's former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an immediate thorough investigation into the alleged N3trillion budget padding rocking the Nigerian senate.

According to him, the Nigerian senate approriated and passed N25trillion instead of the N28.77 being currently implemented by the Tinubu-led executive arm.

Reacting to the allegation, the Nigerian senate had suspended Senator Ningi after majority of its members approved the move.

Commenting on the development, Atiku who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Tinubu to launch an inquest into the matter.

Atiku who took to his Facebook page noted that "over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation's annual planning and development."

He averred that a fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organisation unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fuelled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.

"I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people's interests will be met with fierce opposition," Atiku stated.

He further maintained that denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.

"He further insisted that "Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.

"The accusation of budget padding totaling N3trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government.

"Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.

[b]"The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.

"The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.

"The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.
[/b]
The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently.

"The National Assembly, as the elected representatives of the people, are constitutionally obligated to legislate for the peace, order, and good governance of our nation, without colluding with corrupt elements.

"Failure to do so and persisting in denial will only confirm the government's complicity in official malpractice," Atiku stressed.

Negotiations for the release of no fewer than 287 abducted pupils and teachers of the Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School, Kuriga 1, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have begun.

A highly placed source in the Kaduna State Government House, who is close to the negotiations but pleaded not to be identified because of security reasons, confided in Saturday PUNCH that the state government had reached out to the bandits through a private negotiator (names withheld) for the release of the pupils and their teachers.

The private negotiator is a highly influential negotiator who has been involved in negotiating several abductions with bandits in the past.

Bandits had stormed the LEA Primary School, Kuriga, around 8.30am on Thursday shortly after the assembly gathering and abducted the pupils and some staff members of the schools.

It was learnt that the secondary school was relocated to the primary school premises as a result of insecurity in the area.

Governor Uba Sani, who visited the school on Thursday, gave an assurance that the abducted pupils would be rescued unhurt.

Sani while addressing the community members said, “In my capacity as your elected governor, I am assuring you that by the grace of God, all the children will return unhurt.”

However, less than 48 hours after the abduction, which triggered national outrage, an official source said the government had reached out to the bandits for negotiations to release the 287 abducted pupils and the staff members of the school.

The source said, “The military has begun combing the forests in search of the children kidnapped by the bandits. Security agents have cordoned off the area and they have started searching for the abducted pupils.

“The government is doing all it can for the speedy release of the abducted school pupils.

"The government is doing all it can for the speedy release of the abducted school pupils.

“The government has established contact and reached out to the bandits for negotiation through a popular bandit negotiator. The negotiator was the one who worked for the return of some of the students abducted some years back.

“He (the negotiator) had negotiated the return of so many abductees in the past. He negotiated the return of those students abducted in Katsina State years back.”

He (the negotiator) had negotiated the return of so many abductees in the past. He negotiated the return of those students abducted in Katsina State years back.”

Two other government officials confirmed the development to one of our correspondents but insisted on not being identified because of the sensitive nature of the issue.

They also refused to provide additional information as they insisted that doing so might frustrate the ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release and put them in harm’s way.

One of them said, “You know this is a highly sensitive issue. I can’t give more information on the negotiations because of the security implications. We don’t want the bandits to harm the pupils and their teachers, and we don’t want to put the lives of the negotiator and the security operatives at risk.

“The only thing I can say is that the Kaduna State Government will do everything humanly possible to secure their release, just as the governor promised on Thursday when he visited the affected community.”

It was gathered that an emergency security meeting was convened by the governor on Friday but details of the discussions were not available to journalists.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the security meeting and said details would be provided later.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu, did not take his calls and had yet to respond to a text message sent to him on the development as of the time of going to press.

Bandits kill worshippers

At least two worshippers were killed during Friday’s prayers at Anguwar Makera in the Kwasakwasa community, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The incident happened around 2pm on Friday, according to locals in the area.

A community leader, Hudu Kwasakwasa, who confirmed the incident, said the bandits opened fire on the worshipers.



He said the worshippers were in the second raka’at of the Salat prayer when they were attacked, forcing the remaining people to run for their lives.

He added that a few days ago, bandits abducted about nine persons from the Angwar Kanawa community.

Kwasakwasa appealed for help from the authorities concerned, adding that bandits were raiding the communities unchallenged.

The state government and the police command were yet to react to the mosque incident as the PPRO could not be reached on the telephone and had yet to reply to a text message sent to him seeking confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

Sani Abdullahi, one of the teachers of Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, says a total of 287 students are in captivity.

Daily Trust had reported how bandits invaded the school on Thursday morning, abducting pupils and teachers.

"We became confused, we didn’t know where to go. Then, the bandits asked us to enter the bush, so we obeyed them because they were many and the pupils, who are about 700, were following us. So, when we entered the bush, I was lucky to escape alongside many others. I returned to the village and reported what happened to the community.

So, immediately our vigilante and personnel of KADVIS followed the bandits, but the vigilante did not succeed, in fact, the bandits killed one of the vigilante, we just buried him a short while ago.

"It was when we came back from that pursuit that we briefed the Village Head and we started making efforts to know the actual number of pupils and teachers taken away by the bandits. At GSS Kuriga, 187 students are presently missing. In the primary school, 125 pupils were initially missing, but, 25 of them escaped and returned home.”

Addressing the community, the governor said, “In my capacity as your elected Governor, I am assuring you that by the grace of God, all the children will return unhurt. Before coming here, I spoke with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and we are making efforts, the security forces have swung into action and by God’s grace, we will rescue the children.

"We will do whatever we need to do to ensure safe return of these children, even if it means coming to Kuriga to stay with you. The essence of government is protection of citizens lives and property. We recognized the fact that we are holding this position in trust for the people and by God’s grace, we will protect the citizens’ rights. I am one of the prominent voices on the issue of security. When I was in the Senate, I moved the motion for the creation of State Police.

"We have realised that there are not enough boots on ground, that is why we feel that if there is State Police, every community like Kuriga will have people in the Police and they would be armed with AK-47 rifles. That is the only way we would be able to protect the lives and property of the citizens. The vigilantes are not as armed as the bandits, because they don’t have AK-47, that is why the bandits are constantly causing us destructions. They come in to humiliate, kill and abduct our citizens.

"Since I received the sad news of this incident, I have not had rest of mind because every child in Kaduna state is my child. So, I don’t want you people to be disturbed. Let us pray to God to help and on our part as a government, we will not rest until these children return home. We are going to select seven people from this community, who will be part of a committee, where we would be having discussions.”

The governor also promised to establish a Police Station and military camp in the community.

Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director, Technical Services of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is the son of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

President Bola Tinubu had appointed Umar into the new REA management team following the indefinite suspension slammed on the agency’s team led by Ahmad Salihijo.

While Tinubu named Aliyu Abubakar as replacement for Salihijo, he appointed three others, including Ganduje’s son as the new Executive Directors of the Agency.

The other two new directors are: Ayoade Gboyega — Executive Director, Corporate Services; and Doris Uboh — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

Salhijo, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, was suspended alongside three directors who worked with him.

The directors are Olaniyi Alaba Netufo — Executive Director, Corporate Services; Barka Sajou — Executive Director, Technical Services; and Sa’adatu Balgore — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

Tinubu also ordered a wider investigation into the conduct of the former management team of REA over “a fraudulent misexpenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years”.

According to Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesman, some of the misappropriated funds have already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.

The new Technical Director of REA was actively involved in the 2023 elections. After his father withdrew from the senate race, the younger Ganduje was encouraged to vie for the House of Reps seat.

He had won the APC ticket for Dawakin Tofa/Tofa /Rimin Gado constituency, but lost to the New Nigerian Peoples Party’s Hon Tijjani Jobe, a ranking lawmaker.

Engr Umar, who had previously worked at the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), is very close to his father. He played a key role in Tinubu/Shettima campaign, especially in the youth wing.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election, Mr Peter Obi has said that the hardship currently being experienced across the nation today, requires that Nigerians set aside all sentiments and work to proffer solutions to the myriads of problems besetting the country.

In a thread of tweets shared to show appreciation for being awarded politician of the year by Leadership Newspapers Group Limited, Mr Obi said considering how much the nation has retrogressed, all Nigerians must rise and join in rescuing the nation from further collapse.

Noting that it is rewarding to see many Nigerians appreciate his political impact, Mr Obi revealed it is difficult to sleep at night, knowing that millions of Nigerian households do not know where their next meal will come from.

He further stated that it is hard to go to bed knowing that some Nigerians may be under terror attack due to the high level of insecurity in the country.

In the light of this, he urged Nigerians to “unite, above tribe, religion, and political party affiliation, rescue our nation free from the shackles of leadership failure and bad governance”, adding that “this generation of Nigerians has a sacred duty to make Nigeria a nation Nigerians can be proud of”.

This is no time to apportion blames or to hunt for culprits. It is the hour of collective responsibility for national salvation. I dedicate this award to every Nigerian, who not only believes in good governance, but is making sacrifices to ensure that we get it right in our nation.

“I assure us all that our labours for the New Nigeria will not be in vain because it is a land of POssibilities, a place of prosperity, peace and happiness for all our people,” the LP flagbearer buttredded.

It is with utmost delight that I received the award – The Politician of the Year 2023, from the Abuja-based Leadership Newspapers Group Limited.

African Development Bank (AfDB) chief Akinwumi Adesina says the future of the Nigerian youths does not lie in Europe, North America or anywhere else but in the West African country, here in the continent of Africa.

The former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture stated this when he bagged the prestigious 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership in Lagos on Wednesday.

Adesina, who spoke after serving and former African Presidents took turns to commend his outstanding leadership in Africa, said nations grow economically by keeping their best human capital at home and getting additional resource skills elsewhere.

The 64-year-old statesman lamented the migration phenomenon known as Japa which has been popularised by Nigerian youths leaving the country in their droves for economic prosperity and job security in faraway Europe, the Americas, Asia and other parts of the world.

“While one might argue that our growing diaspora is good as they send back billions of dollars, higher than the oil revenue that we have, this is not the way to develop sustainably,” Adesina said in a room colourful graced with past and serving African leaders including the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Ethiopian President, Sahle-Work Zewde; Prime Minister of Togo, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé; President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria; and the President of the Union of the Comoros and the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani.

Nations that develop do all they can to keep their best human capital at home and additional resource skills elsewhere, with flexible immigration and labour policies. We must make Nigeria a viable place for people to stay and not a place to run away from, the same applies to other countries,” said the AfDB chief who donned his signature bow tie.

“I refuse to believe that the future of Nigeria’s and Africa’s youths lie in Europe, North America, Asia, or anywhere else. I believe that there future must lie in Africa, growing well, robustly, able to create quality jobs and decent earnings for our young people.

“There is absolutely no reason in the world how we have a demographic asset that then becomes a global negative externality. Let’s take pride in ourselves and let’s make our demographic asset our economic asset globally.”

Adesina, who was Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister from 2011 to 2015 said, “I firmly believe that their future lies right here in Nigeria,” adding that for this reason, the AfDB launched a $614m programme to support Nigeria’s digital and creative enterprise to create 6.3 million jobs and add N6.4bn to the economy.

He also said the pan-African bank will launched a youth-centric bank, the Youths Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, to cater specifically for the needs of young people.

“I always say to myself, how can we have 477 million people under the age of 35 and there are no financial institution? That means we have missing institution and market failure problems. and that is why the African Development Bank decided that we will create what we call Youths Entrepreneurship Investment Bank.”

Meanwhile, nonagenarian elder statesman and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended the choice of Adesina as the fourth recipient of the prestigious award which was started in the honour of the late sage, Awolowo.

Past awardees of the prestigious award which recognises pan-African leadership are Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; former South African President, Thabo Mbeki; and legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola.

Also, a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) described as deserving, the choice Adesina as the honoree. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan also graced the event while President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Serving governors including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Mohammed Bago (Niger), as well as the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh who presented Adesina’s citation at the event; amongst many fine dignitaries were also present at the event.

Also, a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) described as deserving, the choice Adesina as the honoree. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan also graced the event while President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Serving governors including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Mohammed Bago (Niger), as well as the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh who presented Adesina’s citation at the event; amongst many fine dignitaries were also present at the event.

The National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress on Wednesday warned Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, to immediately swear in the 16 elected lawmakers of the APC or be prepared to face the consequences of ignoring a court verdict.

The ruling party said it is running out of patience and will no longer allow the governor and the Speaker to continue the unlawful act, which it claimed is at variance with the final ruling of the appeal court.

Addressing newsmen after the weekly meeting of the NWC, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (South West), Isaac Kekemeke, said the party will ensure the enforcement of the decision of the Court of Appeal, being the last court for the election.

He said, “It is sad that the governor of Plateau who is enjoying his office by the constitution of this country in an election will want to deny 16 members of the fruit of their electoral work and to deny our party the success that they won for the people. This is a disgrace to democracy and its unacceptable behaviour.

"The National Working Committee expresses its outrage and displeasure over this continued illegality and this unacceptable arbitrage by the Governor of Plateau State, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and by the PDP in Plateau State.”

Continuing, Kekemeke stated that the ruling party will no longer allow the ‘legislative rascality’ of the Speaker to go unchallenged, stressing with an air of finality that “enough is enough”.

He therefore called on the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspection General of Police and all other law enforcement agencies to enforce the final decision of the Court of Appeal, being the last court concerning this election.

He added, “The last court is the Court of Appeal that has spoken and spoken again and yet PDP, the governor of Plateau and the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly shamelessly continue to disobey the law of the land.

“The patience of the APC is running out. But because the APC is a peaceful party. It is calling on the law enforcement agencies to do the needful now and not tomorrow.”

In a similar development, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (North Central), Mu’azu Rijau, said that NWC has resolved to commence the electronic membership registration of the party in Minna, Niger State on March 19 immediately after the registration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shetimma in Villa in Abuja.

In December 2023, the Plateau State House of Assembly, warned the state chapter of the APC against causing any breach of the peace in the state, saying that the House is still on recess.

The 24-member assembly dominated by Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers had adjourned plenary till January.

However, three days later, the Court of Appeal sacked all the 16 PDP lawmakers in the state and declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress winners of the elections conducted in their various constituencies.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Mr Peter Obi, on Tuesday, insisted that he was not desperate to be Nigeria’s President, but that he desired the country to work.

Obi spoke in Abuja while reacting to his award as the ‘Leadership Politician of the Year 2023’ at the annual Leadership Conference and Awards.

“I am not desperate to be president, I am desperate to make Nigeria work,” Obi stated while adding that young Nigerians should be productively engaged in order to eliminate poverty and crime,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also said it was a shame for Ukraine, a war-torn country, to donate grains to Nigeria when Niger State alone can feed the whole of Africa.

“We have no reasons to be poor. Poverty should never be part of our lives especially in the North,” Obi said, adding that with over 7,442,00 square meters of land, Nigeria can feed Africa.

“Ukraine has no reason to give us grain. Niger State can feed Nigeria, Africa with over 73, 000 square meters of land.

“The two biggest states in the North-East, Borno with over 70,000 square metres of land and Taraba, are four times the size of Belgium that is exporting food. There is so much we can do in the country if we have the right leadership.

“The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you have fewer criminals,” Obi pointed out.

ABEOKUTA: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday said Nigeria must begin to recruit “selfless and transformational” leaders to take over the mantle of leadership from those he described as “transactional” leaders.

Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun state, at an event organised to mark his 87th birthday.

The former President at the event launched the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) and his new book titled: “The Art of Leading: Unconventional Wisdom from Biblical”.

The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Mathew Kukah, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang (Plateau) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa); former President of Ghana, John Mahama and former Governor of Osun state Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Obasanjo said, bad leadership remained the biggest problem in Africa and called for the grooming of new leaders who are selfless and willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the continent.

He said, “leadership is preeminent in anything we do and if leadership is preeminent in anything we do, how do we recruit, how do we train, how do we nurture leaders in all works of life? Leaders that will be transformational instead of transactional, leaders that will be servant leaders, sacrificial.

“In addition to writing book and talking about it, can it be taught, can leadership be taught? Can we look at where leadership had worked and I believe that for me we cannot go farther than in the Bible.

“But, also if it can be taught, what do we need to teach, what do we need to inculcate, what do we need to make people absorb leadership tenets, leadership principles and factors that will make us move fast and move far together and that is what OOLI is about”, Obasanjo said.

The former President also called for the adoption of an African-style democracy that is “sufficiently African in content” to recognise African culture and history.

He said the adoption of Western liberal democracy gave room for electoral malpractice and encouraged politicians to win elections by “hook or crook”.

His words: “We have inherited liberal democracy from the West, because they are the ones who colonised us and they only gave us what they had.

“Now, I believe that when we are able to have democracy that is African in content, sufficiently African in content, in culture and in history and in practice, the sort of thing that happened in Plateau state recently will not happen because the idea of ‘well, we will win by hook or by crook, you go to court, there will not be the question of going to court because you won’t have to win by hook or by crook, you will have to settle it the way we settle things in Africa before liberal democracy’.

“Let me say two or three things about this liberal democracy, they (West) have something they called loyal opposition. I have researched into African languages for the meaning of opposition, the meaning in almost all African languages is enemy, how do you have loyal enemy? So what they have given to us does not make sense in African context, African way we have consensus, we sit under the tree and we iron out and we then decide okay, this is the way it will go, there is no opposition, but they (West), they have loyal opposition because they came out of monarchy and you can be loyal to the monarchy.

“We are rethinking liberal democracy because if it is relevant to their culture and their history, what they have given us is not relevant to our culture and to our history”.

In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan identified access to justice, quality of elections, and tribalism as some of the factors working against quality leadership in Africa.

He said, “that there was a need to look at the issues of winner-takes-it-all in politics, noting that when a president is elected, he isn’t just the president of his party alone, but a president of all”.

He added that whenever a serving president brings an opposition on board his team, it tends to bring quality and inclusiveness into governance.

On his part, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described former Obasanjo as a leading voice in the quest for political emancipation and good governance in Africa.

Governor Abiodun, while acknowledging Obasanjo for being deeply connected to his roots, also praised him for being a respected democratic leader globally.

He said, “Baba has become a world-respected democratic leader, a detribalised Nigerian, and a Pan-African whose passion and vision is for Africa that is being led by quality leadership for the desired economic development.

“Baba is deeply connected to his roots. Baba’s passion for his culture and tradition is unparalleled.

"Baba remains the leading voice in his quest for political emancipation, good governance, anti-corruption and social justice,” he said.

The governor commended the former president for being far-sighted with a knack for nurturing leaders.

Also speaking, the former President of Ghana, John Mahama called on African leaders to practise all inclusive democracy which according to him allows for the views of the oppositions.

Mahama said, “Most African countries hold elections regularly now. You will find out that one leader will take one step forward, one leader may take one step or two steps backwards and even another leader will keep us standing still.

“Effective leadership is therefore important and it is one that continues to make progress even in the face of challenges.”

“Under a universally accepted values of leadership; we expected that a leader should be humane; we expected that our leader should be modest; we expect that our leaders should be humble and they should be caring”.

“Those institutions, particularly the anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to do their constitutional duties without any interference and work towards creating a more transparent and sustainable society for the future generations”.

“Obasanjo has demonstrated this kind of leadership throughout his tenure as the president of the country. Therefore, let the 87th Birthday celebration of President Obasanjo serve as a reminder for all of us as the importance of quality leadership and inclusive democracy in Africa”.

“As we celebrate his contribution and leadership, let us also reflect on how we can work together towards fostering this values in our various societies. Let us prioritize the promotion of quality leadership and create environment for all our people to participate in decision making. We can create more sustainable and peaceful world for all of us”.

The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.

“Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

"Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week.

“We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.”

The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country.

“I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

Dear Fellow Nigerians,

In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouses looting.