By • Olalekan Fagbade Group rejects Military ’s response over Kaduna bombing, demands redeployment of GOC The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has rejected the response of the Defence Headquarters on the bombing of civilians. It called for the redeployment of the General Officer Commanding, One Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, “to allow for unfettered investigations”. ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, said the N10 million donation announced by the Chief of Army Staff was “grossly inadequate”. It said it was the Federal Government, not the Nigerian Army, which should take responsibility for full compensation for deaths and injuries to victims arising from the incident. ACF urged the COAS, as a sign of good faith, to follow up with additional steps to ameliorate the pains and suffering of the community. It faulted the statement issued by the Defence Headquarters, saying it left much to be desired in its choice of words and was even contemptuous. “Indeed, ACF considers the Defence Headquarters’ response as prove positive that the disaster was a consequence of an inexcusable and incompetent failure of intelligence. “ACF draws particular attention to four specific issues in the Defence Headquarters’ reaction, as follows: (i) that the military could deploy an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without proper ground assessment was a strategic error because it resulted in deaths and injuries to mostly children who were not even as little as carrying sticks and stones; “(ii) the Defence Headquarters claimed a ‘threat’ was ‘eliminated’ but such threat was tragically a gathering of mostly children as obvious from video clips and photographs now trending on social media, of the before-and-after the Tudun Biri Massacre; “(iii) the Defence Headquarters asserted that the community ought to have informed the military about its activities, an assertion tantamount to a classic blame-the-victim strategy and typical gaslighting of the victims of the incident. “On the contrary, the usual practice is for communities to be informed about impending military operations.; and (iv) while it is entirely plausible that terrorists often disguise as civilians and entrench themselves in the civilian population, the Tudun Biri gathering was clearly that of innocent civilian citizens, and as obvious from photos of the before-and-after the incident.” Also yesterday, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, said the committee will begin an investigation into the incident. He mourned the loss of innocent lives and sent condolences to the Kaduna State Government and the victims of the bombing. He urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide succor to those injured and incapacitated by the tragic incident.

By • Olalekan Fagbade BREAKING: Former Labour Leader, Frank Kokori is dead A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Frank Kokori is dead. Kokori died on Thursday in a hospital in Warri, Delta State. His death was disclosed by his Personal Assistant, Atawada Oke. Over the past few months, the former NUPENG secretary had been battling a kidney-related ailment. On November 9, Kokori raised an alarm over his health status from his sick bed. Twenty-four hours later, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta, visited the elder statesman at the hospital and promised that the state would provide support for him to get “high-quality medical treatment”. Kokori played a significant role in the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He mobilised workers against the annulment of the election and the military junta. Owing to his activism, he was arrested and detained by the Military Government.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Kaduna Accidental Airstrikes: Killing of civilians won’t stop fight against terrorism – Defence Minister Despite the recent mistaken killing of several civilians in an airstrike by the Nigerian Army in Agabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has vowed that the federal government will not relent on its effort to rid the Northern region of insurgency and terrorism. According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister made the vow when he visited victims of the airstrike on Wednesday. Matawalle, together with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana, led a high-level delegation to the state to convey the Federal Government’s sympathies to the victims. While denouncing the tragedy, the minister stated that the struggle against insurgency and terrorism would continue. He added that the terrible occurrence will not dissuade the administration from fighting terrorism. “We are not going to relent in our fight against terrorism because these criminals must be defeated. We are going to continue fighting the criminals till we succeed against banditry and other criminalities in this country.” Matawalle, who was also at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, where the injured victims were being treated, stated that the visit was on President Bola Tinubu’s instruction. He assured the Kaduna State Government of the Federal Government’s commitment to assisting the victims’ families. He added that the government would form an inquiry panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent it from reoccurring. In his reaction, Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families and assured of support to the victims’ relatives.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Hospital sealed off for conducting Cesarean operatiom without having a Theatre A private hospital identified as Lafiya Bestcare Specialist Hospital in Kinshasha area of Kaduna State has been sealed up by the state government after an expectant mother died at the hospital during her delivery period. The hospital were said to have carried out a Cesarean Section (CS) on the deceased without an operation theatre, which reportedly led to her death, but the baby survived. Speaking on the incident, the chairman of Kaduna State Private Health Establishment Committee that stormed the hospital after the incident, Dr Mark Anthony, noted that the hospital was not certified to carry out any major operation by the State Ministry of Health because it lacks the basic requirements to do so. He said his committee got a tip-off from an anonymous person that a woman had gone through a major operation at the hospital and died within 12 hours. “After carrying out our preliminary investigation, we realised that though the facility was accredited by the Ministry of Health, based on their structure and minimum standard they have, they do not have a theatre but they can carry out minimal surgeries that they can meet up with. “But unfortunately, they had major surgery, and a cesarean section was done and after delivery, the mother died but the baby was alive and was taken to another hospital where they manage pediatric patients. “So, because of what has happened, we have to seal off the hospital to allow for further investigation to confirm why they did that because Kaduna State cannot condone a situation where facilities will be going beyond approvals of what services they should provide,” he said. Dr Mark Anthony said if the doctor who carried out the operation is found wanting after further investigation, he would be reported to all the regulatory bodies for sanctioning. As of press time, the doctor in charge of the hospital has not issued an official reaction to the government's action.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Tears as victims of Kaduna accidental bombing get mass burial Amid tears and sorrow, the victims of Sunday’s terror bombing of the Tundun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army drone were buried on Tuesday. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the mistaken bombing of Tundun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by a Nigerian Army, which killed over 80 people and left scores of others with varying degrees of injury. He described the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of lives of many Nigerians. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president, while calling for calm, directed swift and comprehensive medical attention to be given to the surviving victims. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the unfortunate incident. Also, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into Sunday’s mistargeted bombing of locals in the Kaduna community. The former vice president of Nigeria made the call while expressing his condolences to the families and victims of the accident in a statement on his official X handle. Lamenting the sad incident, Atiku said: “I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. “Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary. The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country. We need to develop counterinsurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature. “I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.” While praying for the repose of souls lost in the incident, Atiku called for proper medical attention for survivors and assistance to families of the dead. “Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace.” Meanwhile, a group known as Future Nigeria Movement (FNM) has described Sunday’s incident as an unacceptable national disaster, insisting that President Tinubu, being the Commander-in-Chief, must not allow the incident to slide, but take drastic actions to stop the systematic carnage. The group, in a statement signed by its Leader, Livingstone Wechie, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, urged Tinubu to ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted accordingly. “He must execute his powers and address the nation on steps to arrest this catastrophe. We cannot move on as though nothing happened when our compatriots have been killed like chickens by a military that should protect and defend them.” FNM said the incident has further revealed the need to rework the nation’s military structure and infrastructure, as well as critically prioritise the advanced training and retraining of military personnel. Wechie said: “It is no longer news that most of Nigeria’s military hardware and technology have become grossly outdated and gone south. What has happened to the coordinates and other sophisticated devices that detect and determine targets that should now result in this national calamity and unexplainable international embarrassment. “President Bola Tinubu owes a duty to ensure, without prejudice, that any personnel culpable in this loss, either by omission or commission, must be punished and sacked, including any of the service chiefs. “If the president

fails to exert his powers as commander-in-chief at this auspicious time, it will cast doubts on his commitment and value for the lives of Nigerians. One had expected that service and other security chiefs should be resigning now as a mark of responsibility. The question now is whether our lives have become so valueless that the government will no longer show a necessary duty of care for our helpless citizens. “Fundamentally, corruption has become the mainstay of our security system as this ugly incident has, again, brought to the fore the agitation by frontline soldiers and watchers, that the war equipment has mostly gone south and can no longer contain the sophistication of the terrorists and insurgents. “It was in this same country, under the last administration, that the National Security Adviser raised the alarm that more than a billion dollars meant for military hardware could not be accounted for. Yet, the presidency shut him down till date. Ezoic “The 2024 budget proposed estimate for Defence is about N3 trillion, while that of 2023 was N2.2 trillion as it is back to back. Yet, nobody accounts for the utility just because the insurgency and security situation has become a big industry. If we must make progress, we must be deliberate and intentional without patronising negligence. “Whilst FNM calls for a national mourning, it expresses disappointment and condemns the Kaduna State government for its carefree response, stating that it will foot hospital bills, investigate to avert a recurrence. “This shows leadership failure and loss of value for the lives of citizens. This is too lame, inexcusably irresponsible and disheartening to say the least. We expect state actions to demand explanations and a statewide mourning.”

By • Olalekan Fagbade Police officer on stop and search mission arrested on CPs order allegedly for shooting motorist A yet-to-be-identified officer who allegedly shot a motorist in a viral video has been arrested and detained at the Delta State Police Command. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday. It will be recalled that the erring officer was on a stop and search on the East-West Road, Ughelli town when he opened fire on the victim after an argument. The motorist whose identity is yet unknown, was according to the viral video, shot on the leg and stomach. But while reacting on Tuesday, the state PPRO expressed disappointment over the unprofessional conduct of the officer, noting that the NPF will never tolerate such behaviour. The PPRO said: “The Nigeria Police Force does not and will never tolerate unprofessional conduct from any personnel. “On this premise, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass ordered the immediate detention of the erring Police Inspector. “The injured victim is being treated. Meanwhile, the CP urges members of the public to remain calm, as he guarantees justice,” he said.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Japa couple crisis: Nigerian kills wife in UK over bills, arrested by Police A Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, David Olubunni Abodunde, has been arrested by operatives of the Suffolk Police in London for assault and murder of his wife, Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde. It was reported that the police operatives made the arrest after a credible intelligence led them to the residence of the suspect at 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Suffolk where the found his wife's lifeless body on the floor of their living room. The police were said to have visited the suspect's residence at 9:55 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 to gather evidence in relation to the assault allegations made against him by his wife before she died. But upon entering the residence, the officers discovered the woman unresponsive on the living room floor. Despite prompt medical attention, the woman was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics. The suspect was thereafter arrested and taken to the Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning before he was later presented at the Ipswich Crown Court and Suffolk Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing. Speaking on the incident, a spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Misconduct ( IOPC) said: “We can confirm we have received a referral from Suffolk Constabulary in relation to this incident and we are carrying out an assessment to determine what further action may be required from us.” He said the intervention of IOPC was prompted by a suspicious failing by the Police over a previous correspondence with the Taiwo’s family on November 27, 2023, over previous assault. The Police added: “On Monday 27th November 2023, Taiwo contacted Suffolk Police reporting an assault by Olubunni on her that day and a further assault from 15th August 2023. Olubunni was arrested on suspicion of both assaults at 10:23am 27/11/2023. He was released from police custody at 6:20pm 27/11/2023 with police bail conditions. The Police Bail conditions imposed were: Not to go to 239 Exning Road, Newmarket, CB9 0AY. Not to contact Taiwo Abodunde directly or indirectly except via a third party to arrange child contact. “The incorrect address of 239 Exning Road, Newmarket on the bail condition should have in fact been recorded as 259 Exning Road, Newmarket. When Suffolk Police attended Taiwo’s address on Tuesday 28th November, this was for a pre-arranged meeting to gather evidence in relation to the assault allegations that were made against Olubunni Abodunde on 27th November which led to his arrest. Because of these recent police contact with Taiwo, Suffolk Constabulary have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)." “We will keep you updated on this process. We also want to make you aware we initially identified two scenes in relation to what happened but following our enquiries we have removed one scene, but one remains in place. This continues to be a location where evidence is present," the police added.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Four Policemen arrested allegedly after kidnapping Hotel staff and requesting for one million naira ransom No fewer than four officers have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command over alleged kidnapping of a hotel staff in Port Harcourt, the state capital and consequent demand of a ransom to release the victim. The police officers reportedly accosted the hotel staff on his way to work around 8pm on Friday near Choba in Obio/Akpor local government area of the State. After searching and not finding any incriminating item on the hotel staff, the officers were said to have whisked him away to an unknown destination where they threatened to kill him as they had done to some other victims who refused to cooperate with them in the past. While insisting on the one million naira ransom, the operatives had even threatened to throw his body into the Choba River after killing him. They also tagged him as a kidnapper. As reported by The PUNCH, the policemen were also said to have tied the man inside a vehicle and patrolled with him until they finally took him to a bush around Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State. But luck ran out of the police officers when the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer who disguised and started negotiating the payment of ransom with the rogue officers pretending to be the father of the victim. The DPO then pleaded with them to meet him up at a certain location where he would pay them the one million naira ransom, but on getting there, the DPO and his team disarmed them and arrested them. The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, confirmed the arrest of the officers at an event in Port Harcourt, saying they were in custody. CP Disu stated, “I heard about that incident on social media, and despite that, I went to town with my officers to work on it. “I’m confirming to you that officers who had contact with that victim have been arrested. I’m waiting for complaints from the victim to know what and what to really look out for. “The officers are there. We are not hiding anything and when the complaints come we will give you further details on what we have done about it.”

By • Olalekan Fagbade Kaduna Bomb Attack; Military will not deliberately attack innocent citizens - Women group A peace advocacy group, Women Action Alliance (WAA), has called for calm over the unfortunate drone attack that killed scores of civilians at Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State. The group, in a statement by the Convener, Miriam Sanni, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not deliberately attack innocent citizens. While commiserating with the Kaduna State Government and the people over the unfortunate incident, the group urged trouble makers to desist from taking advantage of the situation. According to the group, the incident calls for sober reflection, adding that the Nigerian military had a history of high professional conduct both at home and abroad as evident in their participation in peacekeeping globally. According to the group, the incident is highly unfortunate, especially at this time the Nigerian armed forces are successfully dealing with terrorism and banditry. “While we will not speak for the military, it is important we state that they are widely commended for their high ethical principles. “Rather than raising insinuations, we should see the period as one of sober reflection and mourn with the affected community. “We are convinced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to peaceful resolution of security challenges in the country. “The support of the citizens is required to see peace and stability in the country,” the group said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the accidental drone attack by the Nigerian Army led to the death of scores of innocent citizens at Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government on Sunday night. NAN also reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had on Tuesday visited the community and apologised for the unfortunate incident. Similarly, a delegation led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers also visited the state. (NAN)

By • Olalekan Fagbade ESN second in Command killed as Police operatives raid IPOB camp The Second in Command of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ebube Virus, was on Monday killed in a fierce gun battle that broke out when police operatives stormed the hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the in the Aboh Mbaise area of Imo State. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, on Tuesday. The CP said, “Following the confessions made by the suspected IPOB/ESN Terrorist allegedly involved in the killing of DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and other dastardly acts in the Mbaise axis, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping squad led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa on Monday 4th of December, 2023 stormed the criminal hideout of a deadly IPOB/ESN Terrorist Syndicate led by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, at Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State and dislodged the terrorists. The statement reads,” In the process, a ferocious battle broke out between the terrorists and the combat-ready Police agents, neutralising the Second in Command to Ebube Virus, who is well-known on the Command’s wanted list due to their nefarious actions in the Mbaise axis. Others who had been shot at had escaped. From the neutralised terrorist, one AK-47 rifle with 19 rounds of live ammunition was found. “An operation is underway to find additional fugitive suspects and bring them to justice. “While praising the brave officers for their unwavering efforts in the fight against all violent crimes in the State, Imo State Command *CP Aboki Danjuma*, the Commissioner of Police, affirms the Command’s commitment to working with other CP Danjuma called on ‘Ndi Imo’ to support the Police and other sister security agencies with timely and actionable information that will assist in the crusade against Terrorism in the state. He encouraged owners of hospitals and first-aid outlets to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest Police Station.

By • Olalekan Fagbade 15 suspects arrested as Pokice operatives recover 20 stolen vehicles The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday announced the arrest of 15 suspects and recovery of 20 stolen vehicles in different parts of the state. This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relation Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa in Kano. He said that the arrest and recovery of the stolen vehicles were as a result of the command’s commitment to ending all forms of criminality in the state. Kiyawa said, ” We are fully committed towards combating cases of theft of motor vehicles and all forms of criminal activities in our areas of supervision. ” In the last one month, the police command consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the protection of lives and properties of all residents of the state. “This is in furtherance to the directives and vision of I-G Egbetokun to all police commands and formations to implement community-based policing, intelligence-led policing and the display of professional competence for effective service delivery. ” The state police became committed by combating and nipping in the bud cases of motor vehicle theft in the state. ” We embarked on a series of crackdown operations that led to the arrest of 15 suspected motor vehicle thieves and recovery of 20 exhibit vehicles,”he said. The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, while appreciating the people for their understanding, cooperation and support, reiteratedthe commitment of the command to live above board. He further urged everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement, person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest police station for prompt security action.( NAN)

By • Olalekan Fagbade JUST IN: Soldier sentenced to death by hanging for murder Dismissed Soldier to die by hanging for murder A dismissed soldier, Lance Corporal John Gabriel, with service number N/A13/69/6522, attached to 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, has been sentenced to death by hanging. His sentence followed his conviction by a Yobe State High Court sitting in Potiskum for the offense of murder. The presiding Judge, Justice Usman Zanna Mohammed, who gave the verdict, also convicted Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon after finding him guilty of conspiracy. John Gabriel, who was the 1st Accused Person, was charged for the offense of Armed Robbery contrary to section 1 (2) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision Act) Cap R11 LFN 2004, and Section 221 of the Penal Code law of Yobe State. The second accused, Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, was charged for an attempt to commit culpable homicide and assisting in the concealment of stolen property. The prosecution called 12 witnesses and tendered 9 exhibits while the accused person testified in his defense and called no further evidence. The court, after a careful evaluation of evidence before it, convicted the 1st accused on two counts and sentenced him to death by hanging for the 1st Count and Death by hanging for the second count. While the second accused person was convicted on the 1st count and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment but was discharged on the second count. The case was State Vs 1. Lance CPL John Gabriel and 2. Lance CPL Adamu Gideon.

By • Olalekan Fagbade BREAKING: Houe of Reps issue warrant of arrest on CBN Governor, AGF, others The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has issued a warrant of the arrest on the Central Bank Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein and 17 others for refusing to appear before it to answer questions on their operations. This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep Fred Agbedi (PDP-Bayelsa) at the committee’s hearing on Tuesday. Moving the motion, Agbedi said that the arrest warrant had become inevitable following the attitude of the invitees. He said that the parliament worked with time and the CEOs had been invited four times, but failed to respond. He said that the CEOs should be brought to appear before the committee by the Inspector General of Police through a warrant of arrest after due diligence by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas. In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep Micheal Irom (APC-Cross River), said that the IG should ensure the CEOs were brought before the committee on December 14. Earlier, the petitioner, Mr Fidelis Uzowanem, said that the petition was anchored on the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report of 2021. “We took up the challenge to examine the report and discovered that what NEITI put together is a report is only consolidation of fraud that has been going on in the oil and gas industry. “It dates back to 2016 because was have been following and we put up a petition to this committee to examine what has happened. “The 2024 budget of 27.5 trillion that has been proposed can be confidently funded from the recoverable amount that we identified in the NEITI report. “It is basically a concealment of illegal transactions that took place in NNPCL; they have been in a sink with some oil companies where some companies that did not produce crude were paid cash core, an amount paid for crude oil production,” he said.

By • Olalekan Fagbade Vice President Shettima endorses adoption of non-kinetic approach to insecurity in South East Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared support for the adoption of a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity in the South East, in addition to other initiatives already being implemented. Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation under the auspices of “Peace In South East Project (PISE-P)”, visited Shettima to present the initiative and invite him to the inauguration of the project that proposes a non-kinetic solution to the crisis in the region. The vice-president, who endorsed the concept, noted that the “approach was the most beautiful I have seen so far. “We need to build bridges. There is a need for a handshake, that way, those that have not been radicalized can be captured.” Shettima further explained the wisdom in adopting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the security situation in the South East, saying it would save the region from endless war. “Unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition, a non-kinetic solution to the crisis in the South East must be explored and deployed. “The most atrocious of wars are at the end of the day sorted out on the negotiating table. “It is how you build bridges that will determine how far you go as a people and society. “We have to reach out to the youths; we have to empower them. Once we empower them, the crisis, the agitation and insecurity will vanish.” Earlier, Kalu reiterated the call for a non-kinetic approach to addressing the security challenges facing the south east region. “We understand that many zones in the country face similar security challenges. However, PISE-P proposes a non-kinetic approach to address these issues that have impacted the economy of the South East and Nigeria.” He stressed the urgency of finding solutions, saying “we cannot ignore these challenges; we must face them head-on. “The current situation has severely affected our lives and our sense of unity.” Kalu expressed optimism that the Peace in South East Project could bring hope to the region, similar to how other parts of the country have seen improvement. He emphasised the need for new solutions, acknowledging that past approaches have not yielded the desired results. Kalu also highlighted the importance of addressing the sociological factors contributing to the unrest. He expressed hope that a non-kinetic approach, focusing on changing the narrative and reorienting the minds of the people, can be more effective. “We want to start a conversation that helps change the perception and mindset in the South East. This cannot be achieved through guns and violence.” The vice-president also emphasised the need for initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. While acknowledging government’s limitations, Shettima stressed the importance of collaborating with development partners under the Peace in South East Project. Members of the delegation include; Rep. Leko Gambo, Rep. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Rep. Bukar Talba, Mr Emeka Wogu, former Minister of Labour and Productivity, and others. (NAN)

By • Olalekan Fagbade BREAKING; Government approves 13th month Salary for Workers There is jubilation in Edo State following the approval of December 27 for the payment of the 13th month salary to workers in the state. The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the governor has continued to prioritise the welfare of workers in the state and has continued to live up to his promise for better and improved working conditions. He said, “The Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has approved the date for the payment of 13th month salary to workers. The December salary will be paid on December 11 while the 13th month salary will be paid on December 27. “This is in line with the governor’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, which has been sustained for the past seven years. It is pertinent to state that Governor Obaseki-led administration has kept fate with payment of salaries. In this period, there has not been a default, as workers receive their salary on or before the 26th of every month. The same thing applies to pensioners in the State. “This is also as there have been regular promotions, with the latest being January 2023. There is a conductive work environment across six hubs in the State and the workers are enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, which ensures they enjoy Life Insurance Benefits among others. Workers have never had it this good in Edo State.”

By • Olalekan Fagbade JUST IN: One person dead as Motorcycle Riders, police officers clash Pandemonium broke out around Santos Avenue, Abule Egba, Lagos State, on Tuesday when police officers enforcing a ban on motorcycles in the state clashed with riders. The Lagos State Police Command, in a post on its official X handle, explained that the officers were attacked by the motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, in a bid to stop them from enforcing the ban. According to the post, the officers justifiably used teargas to disperse the crowd and preserve their lives. The post said: ” A passenger in a tricycle, witnessing the use of teargas ahead, panicked and jumped out of the tricycle. “Sadly, an approaching Leyland tipper, with registration number AAB 376 CB, being driven recklessly, ran over her. “The driver of the tipper abandoned the scene while the vehicle had been recovered. Contact has also been established with the family of the deceased. Meanwhile, full investigation into the incident has commenced.”

By • Olalekan Fagbade Trust President Tinubu as he addresses economic hardship - SGF Akume tells Nigerians The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to trust President Bola Tinubu in his bid to turn around the economic fortunes of the country. Akume made the appeal on Tuesday at the opening of the fourth quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting which brought religious leaders and faithful together had “Restoration of Hope in Nigeria” as its theme. Akume said the essence of Tinubu’s administration was to rekindle hope in the citizens, hence, the “Renewed Hope” mantra. He said as the government pursued the agenda of a renewed hope, a time would come where graduates would be gainfully employed. “I, therefore, call on Nigerian citizens to trust the incumbent administration of Tinubu as he will do all that it takes to address the challenges of hunger and poverty. “With our human and natural resources, Nigerians have no reason to live in penury; the government will not weaponise religion and ethnicity as you can see in the appointments so far by the President. “We are laying a foundation that will put smiles on the faces of citizens. This is why we call for renewed hope. Let us live in unity to a point that though tongue and tribe may differ, in unity we must stand,” he said. Akume urged media practitioners to rekindle hope in the people and be circumspect of messages that could bring despair. In his remarks, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Nigeria faced numerous challenges that shook the very core of unity and stability in the country in recent times. According to him, those who cannot bear the situation migrated to other nations in search of greener pastures in what is commonly known today in Nigeria as “Japa Syndrome”. Okoh stressed that the solution was not in running away to other countries but in finding ways to restore hope of the citizens in our dear country, Nigeria. He added that Nigeria remained blessed with abundance of human and natural resources more than many nations of the world. The archbishop, however, said there was need to get it right on the management of resources for the good of all, saying that governance was key. “We must get to that level where Nigerians would be convinced to have faith in those in governance and by the grace of God, we shall get there. “For this to happen, we must all develop a culture where transparency and accountability are celebrated, a system where public officers are held accountable for their actions and inactions during their tenures in office or after leaving office,” he said. The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, said the councils would always tell government the people the truth patriotically. He said that Muslims and Christians must work together to defeat the common enemy of the country. The Executive Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua tasked government officials on the need to rekindle new hope in the citizens. “During this dry season, Nigerians aspire to have a foretaste of the renewed hope by seeing tractors mending all the dilapidated state and federal roads in Nigeria, ” he said. Omonokhua said that it remained the hope of many that very soon, the refineries, iron and steel industries along with other areas of development would soon attract necessary attention. “Nigerians want to witness uninterrupted power supply as a sign of hope; we pray for a country that has a conducive place for human habitation. “We pray for a nation where the citizens will be meaningfully engaged, so that the devil will not give jobs to the youths as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” Omonokhua said. (NAN)