Benin Republic Chief to FG: Stop senseless killings in Nigeria, emulate us, ban open grazing
...Says majority of Nigerian refugees in Benin Republic have returned home
...Farmers\herders clashes occur every year in neighbouring communities
The Ologunba of Ogunba Kingdom, Egelu in Benin Republic, Oba Adul Wahab Adio Ogunji has appealed to the Nigerian government to end the killings in resulting from famers-herders clashes by emulating Benin Republic by banning open grazing.
Their communities border Nigeria. Recently, some Nigerian farmers in Ogun State were forced to flee into Benin Republic communities for safety when herdsmen attacked their communities. The Oba however disclosed that majority of Nigerians who went to Egelu, and Igana in the Republic of Benin in the wake of the Fulani herders’ attack on some communities in Yewa North and Imeko-Afon local government areas of Ogun State had gone back to their communities.
Oba Ogunji, who said this, when Saturday Vanguard visited the two communities in anticipation of meeting those in refugee camps, said since the Nigerian people were able to bring the ugly incident under control, the people had to relocate back to their ancestral homes to continue their lives.
He disclosed that in the wake of this year’s attack, 500 people went to Igana, while 300 stayed in Egelu.
He noted that the few ones left in Egelu and Igana are those who lost their houses and all other means of livelihood during the attack
Oba Ogunji while recalling that the clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Yewa communities did not start this year, said the crisis started about twenty years ago.
He said, 16 years ago, some communities in (Yewa) Nigeria and Benin Republic jointly filed a suit to challenge open grazing and put a stop to it, but due to power play, the case was thrown out, but the government of Benin Republic had to outlaw open grazing. I don’t know what is happening in Nigeria.
Speaking on the status of the ‘migrants’ who left Asa to seek refuge in Benin Republic, Oba Ogunji described their migration as ‘home coming’ claiming that all people living in Asa are from Egelu in Benin Republic.
He said, “though, Asa is in Nigeria on the map, but traditionally, it is a part of Egelu. Asa was once a market where farmers from Egelu used to sell their farm produce, but it was due to incessant attacks by Fulanis in the past that made all the farmers relocate from their different farm settlements to Asa and settle there”.
He recalled that the farmers/herders clashes normally occur between October and March, which is dry season.
He said this was because the herders would want to feed their cattle by all means, not minding the cost and negative effects on farmers.
The traditional ruler then appealed to Nigerian government to find lasting solution to the incessant and senseless killings of innocent people, as well as destruction of farms and farm produce by herders and their cattle.
He said, Nigerian government should emulate the government of Benin Republic by banning open grazing, stressing that the system is outdated.
Also speaking, the Delege (traditional head) of Igana in Benin Republic, Henri Tankpinou Achogou, said though, some people from Asa and other communities in Yewa North local government area of Ogun State in Nigeria came to his community (Igana) and two other communities in Benin Republic in the wake of attack by Fulani herders, they had gone back to their communities because normalcy has returned to the affected communities.
He said: “In the night of February 14, 2021, villagers in neigbouring Asa, Ibeku, Agbon-Ojodu, Igbooro, Seke Aje, Moro, Iselu and Isuku were attacked by herdsmen who shot sporadically and killed some persons and set some houses ablaze. Therefore, the villagers ran across the border to my domain for safety, and this community was flooded that night by the displaced Nigerians.
”When they came on that fateful day, the entire community was thrown into confusion; I reported the matter to the Police in Benin Republic and the local government chairman who came to see them”.
“When the people told me what happened, I invited our local hunters and they came to Asa, they met the herders still operating, but they said they couldn’t confront them because the herders were holding more sophisticated weapons.
“They said, there were three females among the Fulanis who attacked the villages.
We‘re ready to go back to Nigeria if,…
During the visit of our Correspondent to Egelu and Igana, he discovered that truly, majority of those claimed to be in refugee camps had gone back to Nigeria.
But few ones who spoke with Saturday Vanguard, expressed their readiness to come back to their ancestral home if the federal and Ogun State governments could guarantee their safety from herders attack.
They equally appealed to the President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to do everything within their powers to find lasting solution to the senseless attacks by the herders in the area.
They said, “there is no place like home”.
Speaking with our Correspondent, Madam Elizabeth Tombi said she lived in Oja-Odan before the attack.
She said, I had to leave Oja-Odan around 1.30 am and fled to Igana with two of my grandchildren.
Tombi said, “the clash between farmers and herders in Yewa area was not something that just started in 2021, but was an annual thing, especially during the dry season, when herders would want to feed their cattle by all means”.
She appealed to the federal government to put an end to open grazing, saying that this would be the only solution to the recurring problem.
In Egelu, Madam Ruth Ogunjobi, from Asa, said, though she was able to escape with her children, her house was set ablaze by the herders.
She said, ‘my house and barn were set ablaze by the Fulani herders, but I thank God that myself and my children were able to escape unhurt’.
She added that all her children had gone back to Oja-Odan to continue their farming.
She appealed to both the state and federal governments to stop Fulani herders from coming to the South West to graze.
“If we want lasting solution the clashes between farmers and herders, the herders should stop coming to the South West for grazing. They should stay in the North and whoever needs their cow, will find means of getting them. They should stop coming to destroy our means of livelihood and kill innocent people because of cow”.
On her part, Mrs. Taye Osagbuyi from Igoi-Ileti, said she was ready to go back to her community if peace returned. She said her barns were totally burnt down by the herdsmen
She equally called for ban on open grazing.
They appealed to the state and federal for compensation for those whose property and means of livelihood were destroyed during the attack.
“I want to appeal to Governor Abiodun to send more palliatives to us. This will cushion the effect of the attack. He should assist us in rebuilding our houses that were burnt.”
At least three majors, three captains and six lieutenants were among those declared wanted for fleeing the insurgents last month in Borno.
The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate arrest of officers accused of deserting their posts during the Boko Haram on New Marte and Dikwa towns of Maidiguri.
Military documents obtained by Peoples Gazette carried a list of 101 names, ranks and bank details of errant soldiers.
Theatre Command Headquarters of “Operation Lafiya Dole” in Maiduguri requested that the Defence Headquarters freeze the listed accounts and apprehend the alleged deserters if found.
“You are requested to declare the named officers and soldiers deserters WEF 19 Feb 21,” the document said.
A spokesman for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the development.
At least seven Nigerian soldiers were confirmed killed in an ambush by the terrorists last month.
The soldiers of 153 Task Force Battalion were ambushed in Marte Local Government Council, as the troops were overwhelmed and could not match the ammunition carried by the terrorists.
After Marte was captured by Boko Haram, Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru gave troops of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ 48 hours to clear insurgents off Marte LGA and surrounding communities under the insurgents control.
The villages under the terrorists control were the Kirenowa, Kirta, Wulgo and Ngala Local Government Area of the state.
The soldiers went through Marte, successfully killing the ISWAP/ Boko Haram Terrorists who captured that area for some days.
A Military spokesman Mohammed Yerima confirmed to Peoples Gazette that the troops successfully and safely detonated a series of improvised bombs along the routes leading into the village in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.
Who say Oyinbo no sabi? 😃 British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing joined Fulani Dancers at ATB Int Airpott, Bauchi. pic.twitter.com/fLiZVxHqII
The Niger Police Command has arrested 15 year-old Samaki Azozo, a student of Government Science School Izom, over alleged attempt to kidnap students of the school in Gurara Local Government Area.
Mr Adamu Usman, the state Commissioner of Police, who disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, on Friday, said the suspect, an SS2 student of the school, wrote a letter and posted on the school notice board notifying staff and students about an intended kidnap in the school.
He explained that the letter created tension among staff and students of the school.
The commissioner said the suspect claimed that the letter was a ploy to close the school.
Usman said armed security personnel had been deployed to the school to ensure the safety of staff and students.
“We don’t want to be taken unawares; hence, the need for us to adopt a proactive security measure against any security threat.
He added that the command had commenced investigations into the claim and appealed to the public to assist the command with useful information to combat banditry and kidnapping in the State.
The 34 artillery brigade Obinze of the Nigerian army has confirmed an ongoing Joint military and Police operation in Orsu local government area of Imo state and its neighboring communities following an intelligent report of the existence and establishment of illegal camps allegedly built by suspected members of the Indigenous people of Biafra IPOB eastern security network ESN.
Confirming the joint operation, the Public relations officer of the brigade, Lieutenant Babatunde Zubairu says available intelligence reports reveal that some unknown armed men suspected to be members of the Eastern security Network of IPOB have built illegal training camps in the areas with the intention of causing breach of security and destabilizing peace in the area.
In an effort to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order, the group of security operatives including the Nigerian army, Airforce and Police stormed the area to raid these illegal camps.
Zubairu noted that the men are applying professional rules of engagement as Military Helicopters have been deployed to the area in search of the illegal camps by the suspected members of eastern security network to prevent any breach of security.
He however pointed out that Civilians and residents of the area are not in anyway harassed in the ongoing exercise as the operation is not within residential or business area but inside bushes and forests where the camps are located.
The public relations officer however, urged residents of the area to go about their lawful duties as the exercise is only targeted at hoodlums who are hellbent on destabilizing the existing peace enjoyed in Imo state.
It could be recalled that about three weeks ago there was crisis in Orlu town between army officials and some unknown gunmen leading to destruction of lives and properties which made the state government declare a dusk to dawn curfew in nine local government areas.
Happy to join #BeLikeNgoziChallenge initiated by @temite with my #AnkaraArmy ‘gele’. For girls in Nigeria & all over the world @NOIweala shows there are no limits and you can still be yourself. Congratulations to the first female DG of @wto #NoiGoesToWTO
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Monday sentenced one Sodienye Mbatumukeke to death after finding him guilty of two count charges of murder and armed robbery.
The accused who has been on trial since 2017 alongside alongside one Excel Naabee.
However, Nabee was acquitted and discharged by Justice Chigozie Igwe.
Police had alleged that the two accused conspired to kill one Chukwuma Eleje, a Dispatcher for Jumia, when he went to deliver items which included an as iPhone and other valuables ordered by Mbatumueke and his accomplice, Naabee in March 2017 in their house located at Ada George Road in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers.
According to the police, the two accused had strangled Eleje and dump his body in a septic tank.
His remains was later recovered by Homicide detectives of the Rivers State Police Command
The duo were first arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt before the case was transferred to the State High Court.
Justice Chigozie Igwe had reserved judgment till today, 15 January 2021 after the lawyers to the accused made the final submission last December.
In his submission, Bonaventure Ugwu, the counsel to Mbatumueke had urged the court to discharge and acquit his client with claim that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lucky Agor, the lawyer to Naabee, also asked the court to discharge and acquit his client, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove that Naabee was an accomplice in the murder of Eleje.
But in a counter submission, the Prosecution Counsel urged the Court to convict the accused as the 42 exhibits and 10 witnesses presented before the court proved their culpability in the murder of the Jumia agent.
He said the confessional statement of Mbatumeke proved that he tricked the deceased to come into the compound so he could kill him and collect his valuables.
The state of origin of every Nigerian is Nigeria. Nigeria gave birth to the states. The states did not give birth to Nigeria. Every Nigerian state must be 100% for 100% of all Nigerians, 100% of the time. No exception.
Therefore, the bloodletting must stop in Sasa, and stop in every other locality.
TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE HON. MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED,ON THE ONGOING APC MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION EXERCISE ...IN ORO, KWARA STATE, ON MONDAY, FEB. 15TH 2021
Good morning gentlemen of the press.
2. As you are aware, the All Progressives Congress (@OfficialAPCNg ) membership registration started in Kwara State on Feb. 9th 2021. Ahead of my registration this morning at my polling unit, PU 006, Oro Ward 2, we had sent out our people to monitor the process to ensure compliance with the guidelines stipulated by the party. The reports from our monitoring teams are out, and I wish to inform you, gentlemen, that sadly, the whole exercise did not comply with the stipulated guidelines.
3. The guidelines stipulate consultation with all stakeholders by the Registration Officials from Abuja. After the botched attempt to have a meeting of stakeholders, due to orchestrated violence the Registration Officials failed to consult with all stakeholders before the commencement of the membership registration exercise, opting instead to work with only one of the four tendencies here in Kwara, the Fagbemi Group to which the Governor belongs, thus excluding the three other tendencies - The Akogun Group, the Gbemi Saraki Group and the Lai Mohammed Group, without which the 'O To Ge' Movement would not have succeeded.
Ironically, the Fagbemi Group is the weakest of the four tendencies. Out of the 193 wards in the state, the group has only nine ward chairmen and does not have even one local government chairman.
Even at the state EXCO, the Fagbemi group has only four members.
Also, the recruitment of officials for the registration has been a one-sided affair and indications are that the hand-picked officials are under strict orders 'from above' as to how to carry out the exercise. We have evidence to corroborate this.
4. The guidelines are also clear on how registration materials are to be handed over and distributed. It says officials for the assignment are prohibited from handing over registration forms other materials inclusive of registration data in a manner not prescribed by the exercise to unauthorized persons, other materials inclusive of registration data in a manner not prescribed by the exercise to unauthorized persons, and that the materials (forms, registers and others) are to be distributed directly to the Registration Officers and records of the distribution are to be captured and reported accordingly.
Well, I regret to say that these particular provision of the guidelines were not complied with. When the Registration Officials from Abuja landed in Ilorin, they simply handed over the registration materials to an individual, not recognized by the provisions of the guidelines who has decided to hoard them instead of distributing them to the wards (we also have evidence to back this up).
5. The implication is that the registration is being carried out without Party Membership Register, while temporary membership slips, to be signed and detached from the forms after registration, are not being given to those who have purportedly registered. According to our findings, since the commencement of the registration, over 80% of the registration units do not have either membership register or membership registration slip.
In the few places where they are available, they are kept in private apartments of some political office holders. In Baruten, the registration materials were handed over to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who is from there.
In Oyun, the materials were given to one Olayiwola Ojo, a member of the State House of Assembly. In Shao, in Northern Kwara, the registration materials were taken to the police station, where the DPO of that station presided over membership registration in contravention of the party guidelines.
It was only when the people mobilized against the use of the police station for registration that the illegality was stopped.
What happened in Shao is the clearest indication yet that the police and other security agencies may be complicit in the mess being made of the membership registration in Kwara State.
6. Gentlemen, instead of membership registers, conniving registration officials are using exercise books or foolscap sheets to register members.
Even senior Kwara government officials and State House of Assembly members were made to write their details in the exercise books or foolscap sheets, in clear violation of the guidelines.
We have pictorial and video evidence of this. More worrisome is that members who have purportedly registered are being asked to come back for their registration slips. Till date, no such member has been given the registration slip.
Even senior officials of the State Government, including Special Advisers, as well as House of Assembly members, have had to register using exercise books/foolscap sheets (we have video and pictures to corroborate this).
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 persons following series of intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities. They were arrested at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
The suspects are: Akin Abiola Daramola, Stephen Augustine Terungwa, Oluwateru Abiodun Samson, Jeffrey Imariagbe Ehis, Uwajiala Odion Henry, Solomon Abidiran Pelumi, Adebayo Oluwatobi Isaac Olamide and Odunifa Joseph Opomulero.
Others are: Adulkarim Samad Olalekan, Anne Davidson, Ibrahim Enakere Emmanuel, Abayomi Oluwagbenga Olowoake, Israel Jigah Sokoamtu, Oluwaseun Olajuwon Ibrahim and Isaiah Effiong
They have been interrogated and will soon be arraigned in court.
Controversial actor, Uche Maduagwu who recently came out of the closet has announced he intends to run for the Office of the Governor, Anambra State.
Ever since a gay supporter governor left Anambra Government house corruption swim freely thats why i will be running for governor come november 2021 lets make anambra great we should not allow fulani herdsmen rubbish our farmers we need agriculture for progress
The son-in-law of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Ahmed Indimi, has revealed that he has a right to get COVID-19 vaccine where ever and whenever he wants.
Indimi, son of a multi-billionaire oil tycoon, Mohammed Indimi had shared a picture of himself getting the vaccine on his page with the caption, “Vaccinated”.
In response, Instagram user, @originalkitchenfarmacy wrote,” You guys are all running abroad to take the vaccines? So the one your father-in-law purchased, who will now take it.... Masses abi. Una well done.”
The billionaire son replied “First thing first calm down, I am not going to take this down because it’s not a Public page but my private page.
“I don’t hold any office and I have the fundamental right to take the vaccine wherever and whenever I want it.
I posted this to encourage people to get vaccinated, it’s safe and it might save lives.
“There is nothing more to it however it’s a free world, you can take it and interpret it as you want it. I am a resident of UAE before I got married, my marriage won’t change this fact.
I spend a lot of time here. It doesn’t make any economic sense for me to fly to Nigeria to take the vaccine while it’s available here.
“Covid is real and I don’t have the luxury of getting exposed wherever it might be, nothing but respect and love but I just had to voice it out. Have a great day.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday violated the coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 Act recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This is coming a few days after the President failed to adhere to the law.
Buhari was spotted amidst scores of people while holding his facemask rather than have it on during the validation of his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Sarkin Yara Ward in Daura, Katsina State.
The President had last week signed the regulation in exercise of his powers under Section 4 of the Quarantine Act.
Part of the document states that “a physical distance of at least two metres must be maintained at all times between persons” and nobody should be in a public premise except “he is wearing a face mask covering the nose and mouth”.
However, the IGP failed to adhere to the order, which prescribes six months in prison upon conviction, on Thursday while decorating some newly promoted police officers at the Force headquarters.
Pictures seen by SaharaReporters show Adamu at different times in the midst of people not observing social distancing as stipulated by law. He was also seen without a face mask.
This is coming barely four days the IGP ordered full enforcement of law.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M. A. Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the Assistant Inspectors OF Police in the seventeen zonal commands and their constituent Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six states of the Federation and the FCT, Abuja, to carry out full enforcement of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into law by his excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on 26th January 2021,” Force Public Relations Officer, Frank MBA, had said in a statement on Monday.
“They are to ensure full compliance with the Regulations in their respective areas of responsibilities (AoR).”
The statement notes that some of the public places that the enforcement will be carried out include places of worship, workplaces and schools, banks, public transport vehicles, hostels, boarding houses, detention centres, and so on, in addition to general restrictions on gatherings as well as the use of face masks.
Adamu however, cautioned officers enforcing the regulations to show tact, compassion and empathy with the citizens.
He urged them to be firm and professional while remaining polite, civil, and respectful of the fundamental rights of the citizens.
RE-DEATH OF CHIEF MATHIAS EKWEREMADU (EZIGBO) O.O.N HON. COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
The Enugu State Government is deeply saddened by the death in active service of the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Chief Mathias Ekweremadu O.O.N, who passed on yesterday the 4th day of February 2021.
Ezigbo Mathias Ekweremadu O.O.N, an astute politician and Community leader, served at various times as Chairman Aniri Local Government Area and member Enugu State House of Assembly, before his present appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Transport.
The State Government expresses it’s heartfelt condolence to his family, the people of Aniri Local Government Area and Enugu State.
We pray the Almighty God grants us all the fortitude to bear this painful loss and grant his soul eternal rest.
The pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande, has faulted the party’s registration and revalidation exercise, describing it as a waste.
He also described the caretaker Committee overseeing the affairs of the party under the leadership of Mr Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State, as abnormal.
He spoke shortly after he was registered by the party delegation led by Senator Lawan Suiab at his Ward 04, Unit 012, Isedo1, Ila-Orangun, Osun State on Wednesday.
“I feel more humbled and honoured that the same party – the APC – singles me out for Membership Revalidation in my village home at lla Orangun.
“Please, permit me to make two observations. The first is that in normal circumstances, a Caretaker Executive Committee for a political party is an abnormality. If not carefully controlled and expeditiously managed, most aberrant authorities end up in contempt and disgrace.
“For this reason, I want to urge the present APC Caretaker Executive Committee to resist all temptations of sit-tight syndromes that usually characterize most handpicked authorities in most underdeveloped countries of the world.
“The second is to say that no population census is repeated within less than a decade and that voters are not re-registered at every election. Within this context, I see the present APC membership registration within less than a decade after the original register as an indefensible aberration leading to certain ugly perceptions.
“The second major perception is that APC leadership might be wasteful and unappreciative of the proper use of money in a kind of scanty economy in which Nigeria now finds itself.”
“These seeming ugly perceptions put into abeyance the applause of the two national election successes that the original APC register enjoyed since its completion on 15th February, 2014 and the over one billion Naira of 2014’s value that the original register cost when APC had no money of its own.”
peaking further, Akande said political party register is different from population census or voters register, noting that the previous registration was done with over N1billion and that it is not right to spend such huge amount of money on similar exercise at this time of global economic crisis.
The State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; his deputy, Gboyega Alani’ Speaker of the House, Timothy Owoeye; Chief of Staff to the Governor; Diji Ajibola, former deputy governor; Titilayo Laoye Ponle; Senators representing Osun Central and Osun West, Ajibola Basiru and Lere Oriolowo and the Chairman of Osun APC;Gboyega Famodun were among dignitaries that witnessed Akande’s registration in Ila-Orangun.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed he knew the late President Musa Yar’Adua was ill before he supported him to emerge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007.
He however said he got medical advice that Yar’Adua, who had a kidney transplant, was fit to act as President.
Yar’Adua, who later won the 2007 presidential election, died in office in May 2010.
Obasanjo, who spoke on Sunday in a virtual interview with academic and historian, Toyin Falola, denied allegation he deliberately put up weak candidates for selfish interests.
He said: “Let me tell you the story of Umaru Yar’adua. I knew he was ill and before I put him forward, I asked for his medical report which he sent to me and I sent it to one of the best doctors of our time and a good friend of mine who died only last year –Professor Akinkugbe.
“I said look at it because it is confidential and he said to me that from this report, this man has had a kidney transplant and it is successful, he is no longer under dialysis.
“And if you have a kidney transplant and it is successful, it is as good as if you didn’t have a kidney transplant at all. I accepted that and Umaru Yar’adua contested within the party and he contested within the country and came up.
“In the process of the campaign, I remember that he had to go for a medical checkup abroad and he was not around for a campaign here in Abeokuta.
“I called him because the rumour was that he had died. I called him on my telephone and put it on speaker. I said, ‘Umaru, are you dead or alive?’ and he said, ‘I am not dead, I am alive’.
“Within a couple of days, he came back and reported that he was checked up and he was well. That was the position of Umaru Yar’adua and if anybody in his right sense will think that what I have done in that position was not right, I leave him in the hands of God.”
Hours to Adamu’s statutory retirement day, the Presidency is yet to announce a new inspector-general of police...
There is uncertainty over what happens at the Louis Edet House, headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), as Inspector-General of Police Mohammed A. Adamu is due to retire on Monday.
Sources told Daily Trust that there is frenzy and heightened intrigues within the police high command and corridors of power in Abuja in the foggy race for the police top job.
Adamu, a member of the ASP Cadet Course 14, is due to retire on account of service years. The IGP clocks 35 years in service on Monday, having enlisted in the Police Force on February 1, 1986.
Typically, retiring IGPs have “pull out” ceremonies on their last day in office.
But sources at the Police Headquarters say there are no such plans yet for the outgoing police boss.
The Police Act, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari last year, pegs the retirement age of police officers at 60 years of age or 35 years of service.
Section 18( of the new Act states: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years or until the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”
No successor announced
Hours to Adamu’s statutory retirement day, the Presidency is yet to announce a new inspector general of police or extend the tenure of the current occupant of the office.
By law, the police chief is appointed by the president on the “advice” of the Police Council. The Council is chaired by the president and has the 36 state governors, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and the IGP as members.
There is intense lobby within the power cycles in Abuja, Daily Trust gathered, with Adamu still said to be hopeful of a tenure extension.
The Buhari administration had in the past retained key military and paramilitary officials even after they exhausted their statutorily allowed time of service.
Experts and senior police officers who spoke with Daily Trust, however, warned of the dangers of repeating “the mistake” done with the military.
There was no official comment from the Force Headquarters as its spokesman, CP Frank Mba, declined calls from our correspondent.
Mixed feelings
But a source told said there were mixed feelings about the exit of IGP Adamu.
One of the sources said, “While some officers are happy about his exit, others are saying they would miss a gentleman.”
A serving senior police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity as he has no mandate to speak to the media expressed fears that extending the IGP’s tenure will demoralise “officers who are hopeful of reaching the zenith of their chosen career.”
What the law says
The Police Act provides for a tenure of four years for the Inspector General of Police.
Section 7 subsection 2 of the Act provides that: “The person to be appointed as Inspector General of Police shall be a Senior Police Officer not below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police with the requisite academic qualification of not less than a first degree or its equivalent in addition to professional or management experience.”
The section also pegs the tenure of the police chief as four years.
Top contenders
Senior police officers are said to be working directly and through proxies to lobby for the plum job.
While some top officers in the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) will leave with the IGP on February 1, or soon after, there are a few of them who are hopeful of getting the post.
The DIGs with the most time left are the trio of Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Usman Alkali Baba and Sanusi Lemu. They will all leave the service in 2023.
Mohammed, born in Katsina in 1963, will be due for retirement on December 18, 2023; Lemu and Baba will leave the service in January and March of that year, respectively.
Three members of the 1990 ASP Cadet Course, Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa and Garba Umar have four years more to spend in the force. The trio got enlisted in the Police Force the same day in March 1990.
Born on January 10, 1966, Galadanchi was Commissioner of Police in Imo State from where he was redeployed to head Police Cooperative Society in Lagos.
He has earlier served as deputy commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, among other postings.
On Thursday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) confirmed his new post of AIG. He is in charge of Force CID Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos State.
Inuwa, popularly known by his town’s name of Ringim, is currently the AIG in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo-Dunukofia (Awka), Anambra State.
He was born on March 21, 1964, at Ringim, Jigawa State. He has a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA).
Inuwa was promoted commissioner of police on October 31, 2017. He, like Galadanchi, will retire on March 3, 2025.
Both Galadanci and Inuwa are believed to be core police officers with general duty experience having risen through the ranks steadily.
Their coming from the North-west, the same region with President Buhari, is working paradoxically for, and against, them.
Umar, on the other hand, is the pioneer AIG in-charge of Interpol.
Sources at the Force Headquarters said he was retained in the portfolio following his stellar performance when he was CP Interpol.
He supervised the extradition of many high-interest suspects to Nigeria.
He was previously commissioner of police in Bauchi and Anambra states. Earlier in his career, he headed the strategic Mopol 19 Unit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among other posts.
The officer with the most service years left is AIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh who, until recently, is the AIG in charge of Border Patrol.
Born in 1970 and enlisted in the force in 1994, Jitoboh has advantages in terms of age and service years.
Jitoboh was commissioner of police in Adamawa State, CP General Investigations at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department before he was appointed AIG.
As AIG, he headed Zone 8 Headquarters in Lokoja before he was transferred to Border Patrol.
The candidacy of the Bayelsa State-born officer is said to be pushed by some presidential aides and former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Jitoboh served for many years.
Lobbyists pushing for their candidates
It is unclear what direction the president would follow with lobbyists bandying theories that favour their preferred candidates.
Those working for the incumbent IGP are selling the idea of the need to allow him to consolidate on his “reforms”.
During the week, Police Spokesperson Mba published a newspaper article praising Adamu’s stewardship.
Those arguing for the president to pick any of the northern officers made case for competence and trust as yardsticks the president should consider in making the decision.
They argue that the officers, especially the prominent AIGs being touted as possible successors to Adamu, have the requite experience in core police duties.
Advocates for Jitoboh, on the other hand, harp on the need to reflect the federal character in ensuring a sense of belonging to all parts of Nigeria. They also say the senior police officer should not be denied the opportunity because of his background.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Victoria Asher has died.
According to a statement signed by the state Secretary of NUJ, Moses Akarhan, Asher died on Saturday morning at about 8:00am at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi after a cesarian surgery (CS).
“Council will give notice for an emergency Congress to that effect in due course,” Akarhan said.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of the Benue NUJ Chairman, Mrs Victoria Asher.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, described the demise of Mrs Asher as a painful loss not only to the media community but also to the entire state.
“He describes the late NUJ Chairman as a hardworking woman who related well with others and stood for excellence in the pen profession.
“Governor Ortom states that the Government and people of Benue will miss Mrs Asher and her contributions to the state in her chosen profession of journalism.
“He prays God to grant her eternal rest and give her husband with the entire family as well as colleagues, particularly the Benue State Council of NUJ, the strength to bear the loss.
It was learnt that she was delivered of twins a few days ago but had some medical complications after the delivery.
Asher assumed office less than two years ago following a by-election after the death of her predecessor, David Ukuma who spent less than six months in office and died.
After dithering procrastination the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has pledged to commence the planned validation and registration of party members next week.
Ever since the plan was first revealed last year it has remained a source of acrimony among party members struggling over the soul of the party.
The struggle first consumed Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who was shoved out as national chairman last year.
Reflective of the viciousness in the struggle, those against Oshiomhole and his group ensured that the party’s candidate in the 2020 governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu lost in the Edo State governorship election.
Ize-Iyamu, who by many accounts ‘won the 2016’ contest despite being in the opposition at the time was soundly beaten in the 2020 election despite the advantage of having security and all that.
Many were able to see the role of Oshiomhole’s enemies in the APC in the defeat of his anointed candidate.
If for anything, it was to silence the comrade governor who had in the past celebrated his decimation of the godfathers in Edo State.
Given the trauma he was made to pass through, it was no shock that when a former associate, Hilliard Eta last December sought to resurrect what was left of the Oshiomhole executive, that Comrade was quick to distance, disown and dispel any relationship to him.
For Comrade, he had had enough of APC bad politicking.
But there are some who simply cannot walk away. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party is one such person.
Without him and the God factor, the APC could not have achieved the success it did in 2015.
On the way to Change, the National Leader and his associates successfully registered the APC as a party. His rivals in the party believe that he has the membership register and data which they claim he can use to produce the candidate at the prompt of buttons.
The sweeping defeat of Akinwunmi Ambode in the Lagos APC primaries, the emergence of Hope Uzodinma as APC candidate are among tales that party blabbermouths say are at the advantage of whoever controls the membership register.
Though the Mala Buni national committee was given the specific mandate of organizing fresh congresses and a national convention to produce a national leadership, the committee has somewhat managed to add to itself the duty of conducting a new membership registration exercise.
Incidentally, associates or those linked to the National Leader have been most opposed to this exercise.
When the issue began to gain traction last year, a party chieftain from Benue State had threatened to go to court over the exercise.
Given the chummy relationship between Asiwaju and Akume, some in Abuja hazarded that Akume was being used against the exercise. A source said he was simply called to order and his boy has since kept quiet.
What those behind it did next was to get President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the exercise. This Buni did when he visited the president on November 10, 2020.
Buni was escorted on that visit by the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Bagudu Atiku who is also governor of Kebbi State and the governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.
The Kebbi and the Jigawa governors according to sources have become the major influence moulders around Buni and whatever goes on in the APC of today.
Despite the fact that Tinubu’s ‘man’ Senator John James Akpan Udoedeghe is the secretary of the committee, it seems that for today, the national leader is on his own in the face of the determined effort by his traducers to whittle down his powers in the APC.
Earlier this week in an open admission of the desires of the Tinubu Camp against the exercise, James Faleke came out with what was supposed to be a clincher.
In an open letter he said that going on with the exercise would undermine the Federal Government’s fight against COVID-19.
While not calling for the cancellation, Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja, called for a deferment of the exercise. His argument was that in the wake of the Second Wave of the pandemic that the ruling party should not be seen to be countermanding efforts directed against the pandemic.
That was about the most logical argument against going on with the re-registration exercise as scheduled.
However, Akpan Udoedeghe had a sharp response almost immediately. While commending Faleke over his concern, he was prompt to assure him that the party would adopt safe distancing protocol to ensure that COVID-19 is not spread during the exercise.
For the National Leader, the troubles of the exercise seem more than many eyes are presently seeing. The registration exercise could for the first time divide the unity of the Lagos APC going forward.
Fouad Oki, the factional chairman of the party in Lagos, having rebelled from the Tinubu mainstream is spoiling for a showdown with the National Leader and has reportedly started mobilizing for the exercise.
Oki, remarkably has not hidden his support for the 2023 governorship aspirant, Abdulaziz Adediran. Adediran, who was at one time linked to the Babatunde Fashola family is the champion of the Lagos4Lagos Movement which aims to eviscerate Tinubu’s leadership of the party. If Oki is able to galvanise popular support it could spell doom for all that Tinubu represents in Lagos.
The registration exercise as planned by the APC is exactly what the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP did in 2005 that threw Atiku Abubakar out of the party he founded. At that time Prof. Jibril Aminu the linkman for Adamawa refused to register Atiku.
Now despite its slogan of change, the APC which many complain has not as much changed much in governance is adopting the same prescription and procedure to cut down a leader.
So when some taunt that Tinubu has been quiet on the menace of Fulani herdsmen, they are ignorant of ferocity of the political marauders threatening him.
Minister for state Mines and Steel, Chief Uche Ogah have boycotted the site inspection of mineral mining cluster in Egu-Ogwu, Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Friday.
Ogah was expected to be in Uburu for a site inspection of South-east mineral mining cluster (lead/zinc processing) before the news of his boycott was made known by the Permanent Secretary on State Affairs, Mr Austin Udude, after over five hours spent by state dignitaries waiting for the Minister to arrive.
Those in attendance before it was announced that the Minister will no longer grace the occasion were all the political office holders in the state, including the Exco members, permanent secretaries, chairmen of Boards and commissions, Chairmen of LGAs, coordinators of Development centres, Traditional Rulers, Algon Chairman and other council chairmen, EAs, STAs, TAs, Akubaraoha Youth Assembly from Ebonyi south zone.
Some stakeholders expressed sadness on hearing about the cancellation and alleged that Governor Umahi and Minister of science and technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu fight for supremacy might have been the reason for the abrupt shift of the programme.
Others who spoke on animosity said the boycott of the Minister was due to Umahi’s inability to consult with the relevant stakeholders of the community like the minister of science and technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu on the proper way the program would have executed.
Tribune learnt that since November 2020, when the Governor defected to the ruling party APC, the inspection of mineral mining cluster at Egu-Ogwu, Uburu in Ohaozara local government area of the state was the first federal government program he was expected to organise.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, sacked the lawmaker representing Ibaji constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Atule Egbunu.
The court, in a judgment that was delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that Egbunu who won a bye-election that was conducted for the constituency on December 5, 2020, with a total of 8, 515 votes, was unlawfully nominated by the All Progressive Congress, APC.
It declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Daniel Enefola who came second at the poll with a total of 4, 564 votes, as the winner.
The judgment followed a suit that was brought before the court by a chieftain of the APC in the state, Mr. Joseph Enemona.
The plaintiff who was an aspirant for the House of Assembly ticket approached the court to challenge the legality of a primary election the APC conducted on September 3, 2020.
He alleged that the party unlawfully excluded six aspirants from the primary election and equally stopped some delegates from voting at the poll.
The Plaintiff averred that while the law stipulated that the primary election should be conducted at the party secretariat in Onyedega, officials of the party, organised the election at a Mall.
He alleged that contrary to the provision of Section 85 of the Electoral Act, 2010, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not given 21 days’ notice before the purported primary election was held.
Besides, he alleged that whereas the APC guidelines stipulated direct primary election, officials of the party in the state manipulated the guidelines by conducting an indirect primary election.
He, therefore, urged the court to not only void the purported nomination of Egbunu as the candidate of the party but to also order the APC to conduct another primary election for the constituency.
Delivering judgment in the matter on Friday, the court said it was satisfied that the APC did not conduct a primary election that is known to the law.
Justice Ekwo held that while seven aspirants were to participate in the primary election, the party, unlawfully manipulated the system and made the participation for a single candidate.
He held that the APC acted in breach of the law when it conducted the purported primary election outside the party Secretariat.
Justice Ekwo, therefore, declared the purported APC primary election as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void and subsequently set it aside.
He held that since the time for the conduct of primary election and nomination of candidates had lapsed, the candidate of the party which came second in the December 5, 2020 bye-election, should be sworn-in as the lawmaker for Ibaji constituency.
The Nigerian Army has rescued some of the still missing Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014.
No official announcement has been made about how many of the girls had been rescued.
It appears the army is keeping things under wraps until the girls, now women, have been identified.
But Mr. Ali Maiyanga, a parent of two of the 276 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, has confirmed that his second daughter was among the girls rescued from Boko Haram.
The first escaped in November 2016, two years after the girls were abducted from their school.
She returned with a baby born in captivity. But now, she has returned to school to finish her education.
Mr Ali Maiyanga’s two daughters were part of the few Muslim schoolgirls taken with the majority Christian Chibok girls, said US Nigeria Law Group, which has been tracking the abduction.
Maiyanga said he had spoken with his daughter, who informed him that she along with others were rescued by the army.
According to Emmanuel Ogebe of the U.S. Law Group, there are other escapees with the army, waiting to be identified by their parents.
After the kidnap of the 276 girls, some of the girls escaped, while 100 were released via negotiation with government.
Up till now, 112 of the girls are still with Boko Haram.
However, there are fears that some of them may have died as a result of the bombardments of Boko Haram enclaves by Nigeria’s military.
And many, as the terrorists’ leader Abubakar Shekau once said, had been married off.
Crime › 30 Herdsmen, 322 Cows Missing In Anambra - Miyetti Allah Writes Police by powerfulguy(op): 9:32am On Mar 20, 2021
of the new Act states: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years or until the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”