By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former Military Administrator of Plateau and Katsina State, retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja, has urged political leaders to promote credible and transparent electoral process that guarantee citizens’ participation in governance.

Onoja made the call in a keynote delivered at a National Peacebuilding Conference with theme: “Electoral process, governance, democracy, security and conflict resolution in 2023 general elections” in Abuja on Tuesday.

The conference was organised by the Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peacebuilding and Conciliation (ICRCP) in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Jabi.

“Internationally, democracy is a licence for gaining access to international diplomacy, finance, trade, investment, sports, entertainment, tourism, humanitarianism, defense and security.

“As countries rush to obtain this tagging of being democratic, Nigeria should distinguish its brand of democracy with adherence to critical principles of democracy that include rule of law, justice.

“Respect for human rights, provision of welfare, and human security for the citizens, transparency and accountability, open government, citizens participation and inclusiveness.

“It is imperative therefore, that political leaders encourage, imbibe, accept and celebrate transparent, credible and open electoral process as a fundamental national security commitment and minimum benchmarking, guaranteeing the equal participation of Nigerians in the governance of their affairs, “ Onoja said.

He said that electoral process was very crucial and central to democracy, governance, security and conflict resolution, adding that the reason for the use of court in conflicts resolution was the absence of democratic governance of commonwealth and privileges.

Onoja added that as Nigerians continue to struggle for a functional government that would guarantee them food security, health security, community security, economic security, political security, environmental security and personal security, it was important for the relevant state institutions to begin to function effectively.

“The processes of voting and declaration of the winners of election during the 2023 general elections have come and gone, but there are election conflicts still before the courts, “ Onoja said.

The retired major general who said that the 2023 general election was a defining moment for Nigeria in view of the several threats to peace, security, and development that confronting the nation on the eve of the election, commended President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Peter Obi of Labour Party for toing the path of peace.

He also called on the judiciary to be firm and diligently discharge their duties on litigations before them based on evidence to enhance citizens’ trust in government and also win their supports to collectively fight common enemies of the country.

“We are confident that the judiciary this time around will discharge its duty creditably well in resolving all electoral conflicts.

“This will build citizens’ confidence in the electoral body, the electoral process, democratic institutions, democracy and the new administration that emerges from electoral process.

“The credibility of the conflict resolution process will also serve as covering force to all Nigerians to join government in the fight against threats to peace and security confronting the country, especially terrorism, insurgency, separatist agitation, militancy, banditry, and other criminal activities.

“It will also dampen the voices of division and strengthen the voices of National Cohesion.

Onoja expressed belief that President Bola Tinubu-led administration would sustain the good works it had started with economic reforms by initiating an open and transparent palliative regime to cushion the negative fallout on citizens.

Also speaking, the ICRPC Director-General, Prof. Andrew Zamani, said that as a professional group and major stakeholders in the Nigeria Project, the commission believed it must interrogate electoral processes in Nigeria since independence.

Zamani said the interrogation was with the view to identifying the election best practices and flaws, to strengthen the country’s democracy.

“Election processes reveal our collective attitudes towards power, justice and equity.

“In this regard, it is incumbent on the Conference to extend its search light beyond elections managed by INEC and Independent State Electoral Commission to party governance and democracy.

“It is important to interrogate the influences of patriarchy, godfatherism, money and filial bigotry on the party governance and leadership recruitment process in the country.

“It will not be too much to examine the role of the judiciary and extrajudicial factors in the resolution of conflicts arising from contentious election results.

“In doing our discoveries will not unrelated to the general state of the rule- of- law in Nigeria.”

Zamani said that the growth of Nigeria as an economic power house in Africa was dependent on having strong institutions capable of ensuring an electoral process that works

“Our electoral process must be transparent and reflect the choice of the people as this assures them that their votes count and it guarantees the legitimization of the government that is formed from such elections,” Zamani said.

In his remarks, the ICRPC Registrar-General, Dr Abdulwaheed Odewale described the conference as a vibrant platform for diverse voices towards a more peaceful and democratic society where the ballot prevails over the bullet.

Odewale said that the knowledge shared and experiences exchanged during the conference would undoubtedly shape the policies and practices that would guide the future of Nigeria.

“We have delved into the complexities of our electoral process, recognizing the pivotal role it is meant to play in upholding democracy and ensuring the collective will of the people.

“Through comprehensive discussions on security challenges, our understanding is deepened on the vital need for a safe and stable environment that encourages citizens’ participation, “ he said.

Odewale urged participants of the conference to carry the spirit of unity, resilience, and determination, as well applied knowledge gained at the event to be catalysts for positive change and better approaches to elections in Nigeria.

“Our collective responsibility lies in upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and non-violence, ensuring that our democracy thrives and flourishes.

“ I am confident that the insights gleaned from this conference will reverberate across our nation, inspiring us all to actively contribute to the peaceful coexistence and progress of our beloved Nigeria.

“Together, we can build a future where the ballot box triumphs over the bullet, where every voice is heard, and where conflict gives way to conciliation, “ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some new members were inducted as fellowe of the ICRCP. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army will do whatever it takes to restore peace and security to Kaduna State and the entire country.

Lagbaja gave the assurance on Tuesday when Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, paid him a courtesy visit in Army Headquarter, Abuja.

The COAS, who thanked the people of Kaduna State for sustaining cordial relationship and good understanding with the Nigerian army, said the governor’s visit was timely.

He said the visit had afforded the army leadership the opportunity of a feedback on what was happening in Kaduna.

According to him, the visit will help the army to know the desire of the people, and do more to entrench peace and stability in their communities.

According to him, Kaduna holds a special place in the heart of military men, especially officers of the Nigerian army.

“We all know that several military establishments, critical ones for that matter, are located in Kaduna.

“The establishments are Nigerian Defence Academy, the Defence Industries Corporations of Nigeria, the Premier 1 Division; Armed Forces Command and Staff College,” COAS said.

According to him, others are the Infantry Power Center and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, among others, are located in Kaduna.

“Besides, for an average army officer, we have a sentimental attachment to Kaduna because in the course of our career in the army, we must award at least one or more course of duty in Kaduna.

“When we work to entrench peace and stability in Kaduna and the communities around, we are not doing it only for the people of Kaduna states.

“we are doing it also because military men will be beneficiaries of the peace and stability that we will bring to our community.

“So, we see you as a strong and very dependable ally and I want to thank you for the support that the Nigerian army formations and units domiciled in Kaduna have been receiving from the people of Kaduna State,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the acknowledgement of the people on the return of peace and stability to Kaduna was an example of how the military could work with the people to bring about desired peace, and a perfect example of what could be done.

He said the achievements that were recorded could not have been possible without the support of the government and the people.

He therefore commended the people for their cooperation and support.

“Your Excellence, this is an opportunity to appeal to you that you kindly extend the same support to the new GOC and even our formations and units that spread all across Kaduna State.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is doing a lot to entrench peace and stability in the state and we want to appeal to you that you assist us to mobilise other critical stakeholders in the society.

“The security threats in southern Kaduna is complex considering there is a mix of the farmer-herder crisis and ethnic animosity and other variables.

“It is when there is a perfect balance of the people, the government and the military can bring peace and stability to our community.

“So, I want to appeal to you that you assist us to rally the critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, the clergy and other critical stakeholders within the society to come to the aid of the military.”

Lagbaja added that this could further entrench the peace and stability in Kaduna State.

“During my media chat, I expressed my desire and goal to have a society where people can wake up by 0200 hours and go about their lawful businesses.

“And I believe it is possible especially in Kaduna state, with what was achieved within the short spell that I was the GOC 1 division,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani, described the appointment of Lagbaja as army chief as well deserved, and commended the efforts of the Nigerian army at restoring peace and stability to Kaduna state.

Sani said that the activities of Lagbaja as GOC of 1 Division gave him confidence that the president made the right choice in appointing him.

He said that peace had largely returned to the southern part of Kaduna where the COAS personally led the battle against banditry and terrorism as GOC.

According to the governor,  Lagbaja’s effort and intervention with his men have really helped Kaduna state as well as Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

He urged the COAS to scale up the effort, assuring that the state government would continue to give the Nigerian army and the military in general, all the needed support to succeed.

“We will try as much as possible also to continue to sensitise our people to work closely with the army and other security agencies, because we believe security is the responsibility of everybody within the society.

“Before coming here, I had series of meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, women group and even non-governmental organisations.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to cooperate with all the relevant security agencies in our state to ensure that they work without any problem,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Tuesday,  solicited for partnership with the Nigerian Navy to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state and the South East.

Mbah made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

He said the visit was to identify with the naval chief who is from the state as well as appreciate President Bola Tinubu for the honour of appointing a son of the state as CNS.

He said his administration had outlined measures to achieve exponential growth in the state through sound economic policies, adding that such policies could only succeed in a secured and peaceful environment.

The governor called on the Nigerian navy to expand its operational activities to the state, adding that his administration was ready to partner with the navy and other security services to put an end to insecurity in the South East.

“If we must deal with the root causes of insecurity, we must adopt both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to dealing with insecurity and we felt that the big elephant in the room was to address those activities that may be an inhibition to bringing in investors to our state.

“We felt that it was a clog in the wheel of our continued development which was why immediately I took over as the governor, I convened the security council meeting.

“Following from that we made an announcement that we wanted the Monday sit-at-home to end, because we have zero tolerance to that.

“We needed to heighten our security architecture and to mobilise all the security agencies in our state to be able to deal with this, and thus far we are getting the required support we need from the various security agencies.

“We are also hoping that we are going to invite the Navy on board to join hands with us to be able to deal with these big elephants in the room,” he said.

Responding, the CNS, Rear Adm. Ogalla, said that the relationship between the Nigerian navy and other stakeholders like state governments had been instrumental to the successes they have been achieving.

Ogalla said the current security challenges facing the country required the whole of government approach, adding that the navy had extended its operations to cover a good part of the region.

He said the naval base and the special forces deployed in the South East had been contributing to the security apparatus in the region and promised to extend those operations further.

The CNS said the navy would continue to partner with state governments and other stakeholders to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive for the overall economic wellbeing and progress of the country.

“I want to assure you that the Nigerian navy will continue to support and collaborate with you for mutual benefits and progress of our dear country, Nigeria and Enugu State,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has rewarded seven officers and five soldiers for various acts of valour.

Lagbaja rewarded the officers with medals and special commendation letters at this year’s Army Day Celebration in Ibadan.

Among those recognised and honoured was Brig. Gen. Everest Ifeanyi Okoro of the Infantry Corps, who is the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar.

Okoro was honoured for being “a very proactive senior officer, who conducted several operations to curb the occasional flow of the activities of Ambazonian rebels from the Republic of Cameroon.

The rebels had, hitherto, threatened the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He equally prevented the incursion of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secessionist group into his area of responsibility.

According to his citation, Okoro’s dynamic and bold actions led to the discovery and destruction of
IPOB training camp in Cross River State.

He also conducted operations that led to the interception of large cache of
explosive materials and ammunition in Amana in Northern Cross Rivers
during the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“Gen. Okoro also accurately predicted the dynamics of the political landscape of the state in the lead up to the elections.

“He understood that it had a high propensity and potential
for political violence, and consequently took necessary measures to
prevent the breakdown of law and order.

“He planned and conducted many precursor operations that led to the arrest of many political thugs and recovery of dangerous weapons and ammunition that were to be used to disrupt the 2023 elections in his
area of responsibility.”

Also honoured was Brig.- Gen. Samaila Uba, Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade.

Uba, on assumption of office, displayed exemplary courage and
leadership character trait which greatly reignited the troops’ confidence
and combat efficiency.

“He personally led all clearance operations and reinforcements, particularly along main supply
routes like Baga–Cross Kauwa–Monguno which were hitherto prone to terrorists ambushes and attacks.”

According to the citation, Uba coordinated Sector 3 clearance operations to Gudumbali, Dabam Masara and Alagarrno among other areas, and
successfully cleared all areas of terrorist elements.

“Particularly notable was the destruction of the headquarters of the Boko Haram Caliphate in Gudumbali in January 2022, barely two days after it was
declared a Caliphate by the terrorists.

“This greatly deflated the Boko Haram propaganda machinery and portrayed it as an ineffectual and struggling band of criminals.”

Brig.-Gen. B. O. Omopariola, who was also honoured by the COAS, is famed with physically leading all operations
conducted within his area of responsibility and recording resounding
successes.

“Particularly noteworthy was when he led a daring reinforcement to Wajiroko in Borno when terrorist attacked the Forward Operating Base on Dec. 1, 2022.

“In that encounter, despite the ambush laid for him and his men that was preceded by an Improvised Explosive Device, he defeated the ambush, captured two gun trucks, cache of arms and ammunition, and neutralised several members of the terrorist elements.

“Also, on the 13 January, 2023, he successfully defeated terrorist on Azir Bridge and captured one adversary Phantom Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle, one gun truck as well as a cache of arms and ammunition.

“In a similar manner, on 23 January, 2023, he led a reinforcement along main supply route of Damboa-Komala–
Maiduguri and defeated yet another terrorist ambush on troops,
capturing another Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle, three
motorcycles, one QJC anti-aircraft gun and one AK 47 rifle, among others.

Also honoured was Lt. Col. I. B. Umar who assumed command as the acting
Commandant, Forward Operating Base, Magumeri, on 28 January, 2021.

“During the period under review, he conducted several onslaughts
against terrorist elements in his area of responsibility with impressive
results.

“Notably, he led an operation in Magumeri resulting in the
neutralisation of nine Boko Haram terrorists, and the capturing of 10 AK 47 rifles, one Beretta assault rifle, one QJC Anti-Aircraft gun and seven Dane guns.

Others are one Buffalo Gun Truck, one pick-up van, eight motorcycles, 147 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 13 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, two bandoliers and 2 x 36 hand grenades, among others.

The COAS also honoured Lt. Col. I. Indiorhwer, who assumed duties as Commanding Officer, 202 Battalion, on 17 March, 2022.

“He is result-oriented, intelligent, dexterous, dogged and courageous, thus serving as a source of inspiration and a rallying point to his men during all operational and
administrative matters.

“His exemplary leadership attributes, therefore, stand him out among his peers.

“Indiorhwer conducted several operational exploits to clear
several terrorists’ enclaves and strongholds within his area of responsibility, including Sambisa forest, amongst others.

“These operations led to the destruction of terrorist enclaves, neutralisation of
several terrorists and the capture of some high-profile terrorist
commanders.

“The operations also led to the recovery of weapons and equipment alongside the rescue of many hostages held captive in these terrorist dens,” his citation read.

Also honoured was Lt. Col. N. P. Ochasi, the Commanding Officer, 151 Task Force Battalion.

“His dedication to work as the Commander led to many successes in the
fight against terrorism within his Battalion area of responsibility.

“The daily Improvised Explosive Device incidents earlier associated with his
area of responsibility have reduced to the barest minimum.

“The officer advanced with his Brigade Commander on all the operational exploits to clear several terrorists’ enclaves and strongholds within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

“His unit was equally part of the Brigade’s operation in Sambisa forest from 12-13 May, 2023 which led to the discovery of the terrorists underground
armoury and recovery of several arms, ammunition and equipment.”

Also honoured was Maj. C. U. Okereke, for his skills at the small arms proficiency test during the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship, a biennial competition among Nigerian Army formations.

“Okereke, of 43 Engineer Brigade, exhibited an outstanding performance during Nigerian Army Small Arms
Championship 2022.

“The officer won many laurels including
Overall Best Shot, Best Shot for Male Officers Category, and Best Shot in AK 47 Rifle.

“It is, therefore, worthy to
acknowledge his blend of professional skills in marksmanship, diligence and hard work.”

For the soldiers category, Staff Sgt Ayuba Yusuf, who was enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 3 August, 1998 and currently serves at 192 Battalion Nigerian Army Owode, Ogun State, stood out.

Yusuf, over the years, exhibited extra ordinary integrity and good leadership in the discharge of his assigned task.

“Particularly notable was when he led a stop-and-search operation at Balogun Igbogila Expressway Way which led to the arrest of 3 x 5 ton trucks loaded with 295,972 rounds of 12 gauge live cartridge ammunition on 30 May, 2018.

On 25 August, 2022 while on duty at Ilaro check point, he arrested two suspected illicit drug smugglers with 792 parcels of
marijuana.

“It is worthy to note that the smugglers offered him the sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) only, to allow safe passage of the illicit substance, which he rejected.

“This was a demonstration of integrity and professionalism.

“Equally, on 18 March, 2023, Yusuf arrested armed robbers with two locally- made pistols at Ibogun–Illaro axis while on Operation SAFE CONDUCT duties,” the citation added.

Sgt. Clement Morondo, who was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 36 Regular Recruit Intake on 19 July, 1993 and later posted to 7 Gds Bn on 31 August, 2016 was also honoured.

His citation showed that on 21 September, 2022, Morondo was deployed on guard duty at the Office of the National Security Adviser as part of the unit’s operational responsibilities.

“During the period, he displayed a high degree of alertness while on sentry at about 0300 hours when he sighted some unknown persons digging and loading 5G Armoured Cables into a vehicle.

“This prompted the soldier to challenge the suspects as they attempted to run away with the vehicle.

“Consequently, he fired at the vehicle killing one of the thieves.

“The stolen armoured cables and other items were recovered and
subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.”

Also honoured was Sgt. Gibson Ezukanma, a member of 44 Regular Recruit Intake, currently serving at 81 Division Garrison and deployed to the
Intelligence section.

He was described as a hardworking and disciplined soldier who had
prevented the activities of criminals in 81 Division area of responsibility.

“Notably, in the early hours of 23 March, 2023, he encountered a robbery incident at Eko Bridge on his way to the office.

“In that episode, some commuters were disposed of their belongings by Lagos petty robbers.

“On arrival at the scene, he confirmed the escape route used by the
robbers and went after them with his motorcycle. He sighted
them under the Ijora/Iganmu bridge while trying to share their loot,
and accosted them.

“They abandoned the stolen items and ran away, leaving the items intact. The soldier subsequently returned to the robbery scene with the recovered items and handed them over to the victims.

LCpl Julius Ogunmakinwa of 156 Task Force Battalion, Mainok, was also honoured.

On 30 December, 2021, he effectively served as the driver to a mine resistance ambush and protected the vehicle.

On 6 June, 2022, while on duty with his assigned vehicle,
Ogunmakinwa exhibited his brave driving skills in a hot pursuit of
terrorists who attacked commuters at Goni–Masara village along
Damaturu–Maiduguri main supply route.

“Due to his ingenuity, contact was made which led to the capture of three Gun Trucks, three anti-air craft guns, three AK 47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun and three extra barrels of anti-aircraft guns.

Also captured were two AK 47 Magazines, 438 rounds of 7.62 mm special rounds, 291 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, and various types of controlled substances.

Also honoured was LCpl Suleman Musa.

According to the citation, On 22 December, 2022, two suspected gun-runners were arrested by troops of 63 Bde in conjunction with personnel of the Department of State Services, Delta Command.

“The arrest was premised on a tip-off by Musa when he was approached by one of the suspects to procure AK–47 rifles from him, on December 20.

“Musa exhibited a high sense of integrity by rejecting One Million
and Thirty Thousand Naira (N1,030,000.00) given to him for the purchase of two AK–47 rifles.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS, in line with the welfare scheme of the Nigerian Army, also rewarded some Warrant Officers with Toyota Hilux for serving for 32 years without blemish.

The officers are Ajayi Adebayo, Dauda Waheed, Arogundade Tajudeen, Nnadi Victor, Mohammed Haruna and Mathew Ogbu. (NAN)
ETS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, of continued support and intervention in infrastructural development of the college.

Lagbaja gave the assurance when he received in audience, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji at the Army Headquarters, in Abuja.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Mwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He congratulated the commandant on his appointment, and appreciated the existing partnership between the college and the Nigeriam army.

He said that the army under his command will remain disposed to supporting the college, especially in the areas of electricity supply and accommodation, among others, to  realise its objectives.

The army Chief said the college had over the years lived up to expectations in producing well trained officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigerian army in particular.

He added that the activities of the college had positively impacted on operational engagements of the army, both at home and abroad.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command will offer free services to enhance integrated Information Communication Technology status of the AFCSC college in training exercises and administration of students.

Earlier, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Alhaji, in his remarks lauded the army for being of tremendous support to the college in past years.

Alhaji said that the college had witnessed huge improvement in its curriculum, which has been tailored to meet specific needs of the services.

He added that the college was keen at leveraging on ICT to enhance students’ administration, registration, training directives and accommodations in its effort to enhance productivity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Funmilayo Okunade

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti on Sunday directed the Police, DSS and Amotekun Corps to free the abducted State Chairman of the APC in Ekiti, Mr Paul Omotoso and two others from captivity.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, gave the directive on Sunday, when he visited Omotoso’s family at Imesi-Ekiti, Ayekire Local Government Area of the state to sympathise with them on the devastating incident.

He stated that Omotoso shouldn’t only be rescued unscathed, that the perpetrators of the dastardly act be nabbed and made to face the full weight of the laws.

The former Commissioner, Omotoso, and two others, were abducted by gunmen along Agbado-Imesi road on Saturday and whisked to an unknown destination.

According to information from family members, Omotoso is said to have attended a wedding at Ikare Akoko, in Ondo State, and was returning to Ado-Ekiti when the evil men struck.

Similarly, the governor, who was received by the victim’s family, also visited the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, to register his displeasure over the disturbing incident.

Oyebanji in his instruction, directed the Police and DSS operatives to comb the sprawling forests along Agbado-Imesi-Irun Akoko in Ondo State and other suspected areas to rescue the victims safely from where they are being held hostage.

The governor branded the incident as very troubling and disturbing, saying his government would continue to step up efforts to tighten noose on those who are ocassionally terrorising Ekiti through senseless kidnapping, and made to face serious resistance.

As part of the ways to stamp out abduction in that axis of Ekiti, he assured that the state forest reserves extending from Agbado-Imesi-Ise would be rescourcitated and put to use, to dislodge those using the area as hideout.

“Let me say that we are saddened by this news because we know the trauma this must have caused to his family members, his town, admirers, members of our great party in Ekiti and Nigeria in general.

“You could all attest to the fact that insecurity like this had been on a downward trend since Oyebanji took over about nine months ago. We won’t allow any evil doer to jeopardise our strategy to make Ekiti safe for investments and habitation.

“I hereby charge the security operatives – the police, DSS, army and other sister agencies to rescue him alive from these evil doers and reunite him with his family safe and sound.

“Please, help us appeal to our youths not to take laws into their hands. They should remain peaceful and calm and I can assure you that he will be released soon to join us,” he said.

During the brief visit to Onimesi, Oba Olatunde said his people were deeply saddened by the incident, saying the town had started organising prayers to ensure the victim’s return safely and reunite with the community.

Oba Olatunde said he had taken steps to calm down frayed nerves to avert any unrest from irate youths and subjects, who became livid by Omotoso’s abduction.

“We are organising prayers and we are hopeful that he will soon be released. Everything points to the fact that he will soon be released because the government and security agencies are deploying every arsenal to ensure that he regains freedom soon.”(NAN)

By Isaac Aregbesola

The ICPC has dismissed a report that the Department of State Services carted away files implicating  President Bola Tinubu and close aides from its office

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) dismissed the report in a statement by its Spokesperson Azuka Ogugua.

She said that the report was fake and baseless, adding that ICPC never had such files in any of its offices across the country.

“The Commission hereby state unequivocally that there were no files implicating President Bola Tinubu or his close aides at its headquarters or offices across the states.

“And, therefore, the alleged carting away of such imaginary files is unfounded and should be disregarded by the public,” Ogugua stated.

She said, while the commission did not dispute the role of the media to inform the public, it was however necessary to adhere to the tenets of the journalism profession in the discharge of such role.

According to her, for the umpteenth time, the Commission wishes to urge media organisations not to allow the use of their medium to propagate lies and unfounded reports by subversive agents.

“The Commission’s channels of communications remain open for clarification and confirmation, ” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Idowu Ariwodola

Gunmen kidnapped the Ekiti State’s chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Paul Omotisho, on Saturday.

APC’s Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Mr Segun Dipe, stated at Ado-Ekiti that the assailants abducted Omotisho as he was driving on the Agbado-Ekiti/Imesi-Ekiti Road.

“The chairman was driving in a Toyota Venza car when the assailants seized him.

“The gunmen shot at one of his tyres to immobilise the vehicle after which they seized and drove him off in a Toyota Hilux van.

“He was alone in the car when the incident happened.

“Security agencies – the police and Amotekun Corps (the Southwest security outfit) – have been alerted and they are working on the incident,’’ Dipe stated.

Reacting to the abduction, police spokesman in Ekiti, DSP Sunday Abutu, said the police would make a statement on the abduction after getting clear information. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Deborah Coker

The Dean and Executive Secretary of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), Mr Thomas Stelzer, has called for more capacity building to enhance anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria.

Stelzer made the call on Wednesday when he visited the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the academy is run by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

Stelzer who is on official visit to Nigeria, said that  scaling up training in corruption fight in the country would create a resilient anti-corruption system needed to effectively fight the menace.

He said in spite of how heady international corruption can be, the fight against corruption could still be won.

He said that IACA would explore ways to work with the academy to strengthen capacity of anti-corruption warriors in Nigeria to achieve desired outcomes.

Stelzer noted that Nigeria had introduced lots of national expertise and innovations in the fight against corruption that could be shared by the 189 countries that signed the international convention on corruption.

According to him, although many countries have domesticated the convention, but yet to develop strong normal systems.

“There’s a big gap between the moment and the competition, and this will be all coming with capacity making assistance,” he said.

Earlier, the Provost of ACAN, Mr Olatunde Barawale said that there were many areas it would want to partner with IACAN, especially in manpower training and development to enhance the capacity of citizens in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“I believe that this particular visit will provide us with the opportunity of tapping from the rich resources of the academy,” he added.

The provost disclosed that the academy had since inception in 2015, trained no fewer than 20, 279 people in more than 200 different programmes related to the fight against corruption.

He said that out of the number, 532 were trained in the last six months.

In his remarks, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, the Chairman of ICPC said that Stelzer’s visit was in furtherance of an MoU signed in Egypt in 2021.

According to Owasanoye, the MoU involved collaboration on manpower development and other areas.

“Stelzer’s visit is in furtherance of operationalising that MoU and exploring areas of mutual benefits for IACA and the ICPC.

“We hope to be able to collaborate with IACAN on some of its training programmes and in developing training programmes for West African sub region, Sub Sahara Africa and indeed Africa on Anti-Corruption.”

NAN reports that the IACA executive secretary was on arrival taken on a tour of facilities in the academy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===============

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed