By Peter Okolie

The proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday, began the distribution of flyers and posters across the South-East to notify residents of  cancellation of the  sit-at-home exercise in the region.

IPOB’s spokesman, Mr Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement entitled: “Monday weekly sit-at-home: An ugly phase of a bygone history that must never be repeated as echoed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Powerful explained that the exercise was aimed at conveying Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s pronouncement cancelling Monday sit-at-home.

The  group said: “Any person or persons talking about a non-existent sit-at-home in the south east  is an enemy of the people and shall be dealt with accordingly.

“The exercise also aims to inform the people that sit-at-home is not only “dead” but will also never again be invoked or deployed as a tool of civil disobedience in the group’s quest for self-determination,” he added.

According to him, the instructions to distribute the flyers by hand and paste posters to that effect was authorised by the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Powerful’s statement warned that any person or persons talking about sit-at-home in Igbo land again remained an enemy of the people and would be dealt with accordingly.

The statement reads in part: “It is to be stated for the umpteenth time, for those who may feign ignorance of the laws governing the conduct expected of IPOB family worldwide, that our supreme leader,  Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has ordered the permanent end to Monday sit-at-home in the south east.

“Anybody seen enforcing this illegal and non-existent Monday sit-at-home will be apprehended and summarily dealt with on the spot.

“The criminal elements are not working for IPOB   nor the release of Kanu, who is  detained in the DSS solitary confinement in Abuja.

“Those purporting to be running a Biafra Government in Exile, from somewhere in Finland, also known as Autopilot are not IPOB members and their activities do not represent the views of  Kanu, rank and file IPOB membership nor ESN operatives.

“It is a shame to the memory of our late members  that gave their lives for the IPOB struggle  that individuals that never led ordinary street protests in the south east  or anywhere in the world in support of IPOB can claim to lead our people.

“This is an absolute disgrace,” Powerful stressed.

He said “these shameless parasites” and their sponsors were hoping that mere attachment of the names – Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB and ESN – to their criminal enterprise will provide legitimacy to continue duping the gullible.

“The social media – Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE) has nothing to do with IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“ Kanu has nothing to do with them and will never have anything to do with them.

“ IPOB does not have any government in exile and will never have any government in exile.

“People that never led a protest anywhere in the world, were never detained or held meetings with any international bodies can never claim to represent our people.

“We, therefore, encourage people of the south east to help in the distribution of the flyers, posters to communities, hinterlands, and cities in the region,  signifying the requiem mass for the senseless Monday sit-at-home.

“We warn once again that anybody apprehended enforcing any sit-at-home will regret his life and the self-acclaimed leader of BGIE will not save such a person,” the group noted. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, said his administration would make adequate provision for the enhancement of the operational capabilities of security and law enforcement agencies.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance at the Passing Out Parade of the 5th Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The Nigerian leader also assured of the commitment of his administration towards improving welfare of personnel in its renewed drive to address security and related concerns across the country.

“This administration is committed to implementing effective measures to combat security challenges in Nigeria and our synergy is the surest ticket to that destiny. We are implementing a comprehensive approach that focuses on key areas.

“First, we are investing in our law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness. We are offering extra resources, training, and equipment to bolster our Police Force and Security Agencies.

“Simultaneously, we are enhancing our intelligence systems and information sharing at both the national and international levels.”

Tinubu said government acknowledges that addressing security challenges necessitates cooperative endeavours with other countries.

“Hence, we are establishing alliances to adeptly tackle transnational threats. Furthermore, we are executing all encompassing social programmes and economic development projects aimed at fostering inclusiveness, social unity, and economic prospects for everyone,” the President added.

While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts, the President said “our moral duty now is to support the Nigeria Police Force and other security organizations in intensifying their bids to improve public safety.

“We must do the best within our capacity to ensure there is an improvement in the security of lives, properties, and investments of our people and foreign investors.”

President Tinubu urged members of the Force to always hold fast to the core virtues of our Police Force; integrity, honesty, and compassion.

“We must treat all citizens fairly and uphold their human rights, regardless of background. Our actions must exemplify the highest ethical standards as we safeguard the rule of law. Together, we embody the principles that define a trusted and responsible Police Force.”

He expressed confidence in the ability of the graduands to fit into the agenda of the present administration.

He noted that “with the quality of training that you have received over the five years in the Academy, I believe you are adequately prepared to serve this country.

“May you all embark on this journey with courage and determination, knowing that the nation needs your patriotic services. Stay vigilant, stay united, and stay focused to the ideals that make our Police Force an example of honour and integrity.”

Earlier, the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Sadiq Abubakar, thanked the Federal Government for its unwavering support to the institution.

He noted that the successful graduation of the 169 cadets was a testament to the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure and manpower development in the Force.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a sword and prizes to the best graduating cadets, the symbolic piping and commissioning of the cadets by the President who was the Special Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries present at the event include Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State; Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, some members of the National Assembly; Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Solomon Arase; Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Isaiah Eka

No fewer than 54 young sailors graduated from the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa ibom, after six years of successful academic and military trainings.

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who was the special guest of honour at the graduation ceremony in Ikot Ntuen on Saturday commended the young sailors for their discipline, determination and professional expertise.

Eno said that the school would produce professionals of repute, technocrats and seasoned military officers, who will make remarkable contributions at national and international levels.

He said that the state government would continue to attach great importance to the development of education.

“Let me congratulate the first batch of young sailors for the successful completion of their academic and military trainings which spanned six years.

“I deeply commend the discipline and level of determination you all have put in during the course of your training.

“The Nigerian Navy Military School was established to groom young able-bodied boys, with the right mix of academic excellence,values and discipline.

“I am aware that this school is just six years, and in just six years of its existence had grown in leaps and bounds and today it is one of the most sought after military secondary schools in Nigeria.

“With what I have seen today, the reason why the school is so active is not far-fetched.

“The serenity of the environment, the quality of parade and disciplines as well as academic performance and spectacular silent drills are the reasons the school is so attractive.

“I wish we can make all schools in Akwa Ibom have some stint of military training, so we can inculcate in them the discipline I have seen here today.

“I have no doubt that this school will produce professionals of repute, technocrats and seasoned military officers, who will make remarkable contributions at both in national and international levels,” Eno said.

Eno said that the government would continue to support the school to provide conducive learning environment for the students.

The governor pledged that the state government would build a one-storey building block to support the school and reduce accommodation problem.

He commended the Commandant of the School, Navy Capt. Abdulhafiz Yabo and all academic staff for doing excellent job on the students, urging them to keep the flag flying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the graduation ceremony was the award of prizes and certificates to the five best graduating students.

NAN also reports that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire and the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Madumom Ide, among other senior naval officers were in attendance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the call for the military to interfere in the nation’s democracy is highly unpatriotic and wicked.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau on Friday in Abuja, said it was an attempt by unpatriotic elements to distract the military from performing its constitutional responsibilities.

Gusau said the DHQ frowned at the report being circulated online about welfare issues in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the leadership of the armed forces has given priority to welfare of its personnel and will continue to do so.

“The military hierarchy detests any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law abiding military to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in the country.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our  country.

“The armed forces under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa is determined to ensure its complete subordination to constitutional authority under President Bola Tinubu.

“We will not be distracted from these roles that are well defined in the 1999 constitution (as amended),” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Acting Inspector–General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has called for  improved relationship with the traditional institution to stem insecurity in the country.

The IGP made the call when he paid homage to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero at his palace on Friday in Kano.

He emphasised the role of traditional institutions in complementing efforts of security operatives in crime control.

The police boss said that traditional rulers were very critical to the fight against crime and criminality in Nigeria.

Egbetokun said the Police Force would continue to partner with stakeholders to tackle security challenges in the country.

“We are looking forward to a police force that will be so positioned to respond adequately to the dynamics of crimes and criminality in Nigeria.

“We cannot achieve this without  support of the traditional institution. We appeal to his highness to mobilise other traditional rulers in Nigeria to support our vision for  the good people of the country,” he said.

Responding, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, appealed to the police to do everything possible to curb the menace of crime and criminality.

The traditional ruler also advised Nigerians to support the force with information to ease the fight against insecurity

He said  the palace was part and parcel of the force because late Ado Bayero was a native administration police officer.

Bayero lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing an upright and committed police officer as IGP.

He further said that President had made a wise choice in appointing him because they worked with the acting IGP together in Lagos.

The Emir also commended the state Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel for the successes recorded since his assumption in the state.

The royal father who thanked the police boss for the visit, also prayed for a successful and peaceful tenure for  Egbetokun. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Kaduna State Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged its support and assistance to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in furtherance of the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Godwin Ochai, Chairman of the branch, stated this on Thursday, Aug. 10, during a visit to the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.

According to him, the EFCC and the NBA are partners in progress as far as the fight against corruption is concerned

He also commended the Legal and Prosecution Department of the command for the co-operation received so far.

He further stated that the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the EFCC and the NBA in the fight against corruption.

In response, the Acting Commander, Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC, ACE I Aisha Abubakar expressed  appreciation for the visit.

Abubakar solicited more synergy and support of NBA in advancing the good work of the EFCC toward eradicating economic and financial crimes including corruption.

She urged NBA to always verify claims made by their clients and members against the EFCC in order not to be misled.

Head Legal and Prosecution, ACE I, Nasiru Salele, also thanked the branch for the visit,  saying it was the first of its kind in the command.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Ibironke Ariyo

Spouses and children of Nigeria Correction Service’s inmates have commended the Prison Fellowship International (PFI) and Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFNig) for providing succour for them in their trying moments.

They gave the commendation at the end of a two-day Children Holiday Camp for indigent children of inmates in Suleja, organised by Niger PFNig.

The programme dubbed: “The PromisePath Children Education Programme” with this year’s theme: “Precious to God,” is designed for children who are vulnerable and marginalized.

They said their lives would have been unbearable, without the support of PFI and its Nigerian affiliate, PFNig, especially as their bread-winners are incarcerated.

The women testified that PFI and PFNig had helped in ensuring their out of school children returned to the classroom.

Mrs Beatrice Aigbologa from Suleja said the faith-based organisation had helped in wiping away their tears.

“I want to thank Prison Fellowship International and Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, they have done a lot for us.

“They bring joy to our lives, pay our children’s school fees, provide financial and spiritual support to our families.

“They come around to visit us once in a while,” she said.

Also, Mrs Ngozi Obasi from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said PFI and PFNig have given the families of incarcerated people a sense of belonging in the society.

“I appreciate the chairman and other coordinators for their deeds and words of encouragement to us especially during the absence of our husband’s and fathers.

“It has not been easy for our families, but, the PFI and PFNig, Niger State Chapter, have been there for us.

“However, I would like to appeal to the organization to consider setting up in business, wives of inmates, because we lost our source of income due to our husbands incarceration.”

Similarly, Mrs Vero Nwabueze paid kudos to PFI and PFNig officials for spending their time and resources to uplift lives of indigent families of the inmates.

Also Master Taye Aigbologa said if it had not been through the help of PFNig Niger State, he and his siblings would have been out of school.

“I am one of the beneficiaries and I want to thank them for their support, may God continue to strengthen them.”

Earlier, the PFNig Niger State Chairman, Pastor Peter Okere, decried the rate of out-of-school children in the country.

He said that, “Nigeria is reported to have the highest number of out of school children in sub-Saharan Africa with millions of children of schooling age out of school.

“Our youth campaign programme which includes catch them young, a crime prevention initiative aligns perfectly with the PromisePath Programme and is our contribution to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“lt is to this end we embarked on this programme since three years ago to bridge the gap by providing for their educational and other social needs.

“Here in Niger State, we have a total of 71 children currently in our list from Suleja, Minna and Lapai custodial centres.

“Both Muslims and Christians are benefiting from this programme.”

He further said that through the PromisePath Programme, PFI and PFNig sought to ensure that vulnerable children receive essential supports in the areas of education, safety, health, social and emotional resilience, all within the care of their family units.

“The PromisePath Programme is focused on Improving access to, and participation in education.

“Others are improving important social connection through supportive relationships with local volunteers, interaction with peers, and some form of connection with the incarcerated parents.

“Also, it seeks to improve on spiritual and personal development through mentoring, discipleship, and connection with the local church community.

“Beneficiaries of the PromisePath programme are between the ages of 4 and 18 in public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria and whose parents are incarcerated”

Pastor Okere further observed that the programme has wide-ranging impact on the lives of children and their parents.

“lt has also helped to break the cycle of ignorance, poverty and crime within their families and society at large.

“I want to use this opportunity to encourage children to embrace this programme with all seriousness, study hard to excel so that they can tell their success story tomorrow.”

Also, the camp coordinator, Pastor Dele Olude, said the purpose of the programme was to “show the children of inmates incarcerated in our correctional facilities, whom we are sponsoring their education, that God loves them with an everlasting love and how precious they are to Him”

A total of 46 children, 18 parents/guardians and 14 Prison Fellowship Volunteers attended the programme in Suleja Location being the first location in Niger State, the second location comes up on the 18th & 19th August, 2023 in Minna the State capital.

It was loaded with varieties including Bible drills, crafts and sports.

Deserving children and parents were presented with gifts and awards at the close of the programme.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has approved the redeployment of the service spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu, as the new Commandant for the FCT Command.

This is contained in a statement by the new NSCDC Director, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Babawale Afolabi on Friday in Abuja.

Afolabi stated that the Corps’ Commandant General (CG) Ahmed Audi, had directed that Commandant Olusola is to resume office at most by Aug.15.

According to the CG, “the handing and taking over between the outgoing and incoming Commandants should be concluded latest by Tuesday, 15th August, 2023.”

Audi said that the deployment was in a bid to rejig, revamp, restructure and reposition the FCT Command of the Corps for more effective service delivery.

He said that the former head of the Command, Commandant Peter Maigari, will be proceeding for a strategic course at the National Security Institute for a year.

He further commended Odumosu for his absolute commitment and display of professionalism in the discharge of his duties.

The CG extolled the virtues of hardwork, tenacity, dedication and loyalty exhibited by him while heading the PR office of the Corps.

According to him, Odumosu’s tenure as Director of Public Relations of the Corps witnessed a lot of innovations that strengthened the Corps’ image with a corresponding increase in the level of social acceptability nationwide.

The NSCDC Helmsman appraised Odumosu for conducting the first ever strategic communication workshop (STRACOMM 2022) for all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Public Relations Officers in all formations of the Corps.

He said the workshop paved way for more strategic innovative service delivery and partnerships with both local and international media outlets.

Responding, the new FCT Commandant, thanked the CG for counting him worthy of providing leadership for the FCT Command.

Odumosu assured that he would remain steadfast, hardworking, resolute and committed to the ideals and vision of the CG in transforming, repositioning and driving the Corps to an enviable height.

He reiterated that with the support of the Corp’s leadership, he was ready to move the FCT Command forward by breaking new grounds through unwavering commitment to the accomplishment of NSCDC’s mandate in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odumosu is a Fellow of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Institute of Public Relations UK, amongst others.

The CG also announced the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Afolabi as the new Director of Public Relations (DPR) of the Corps.

Audi charged the new spokesman to work hard like his predecessor and consolidate on the legacies set by him.

He advised him to raise the bar of performance and transformation of the Public Relations Unit of the Corps across all formations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza