Sanwo-Olu seeks framework for effective community policing.

Sanwo-Olu seeks framework for effective community policing.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for the development of a framework that will serve as a guide for effective community policing in the country.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at a town hall tagged, ‘Community policing: Building a safer Nigeria together,’ organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The governor said the framework must foster an understanding of responsibilities and set clear boundaries for every stakeholder involved in community policing.

“Community policing is not a new concept to us as a nation. It has, over the years, been at the centre of conversations on the best strategy to adopt in order to effectively address the challenge of insecurity manifesting in rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, among others.

“The concept of community policing is receiving wide acceptance because it emphasises the involvement of the citizens who are encouraged to collaborate and partner with the police and other security agencies to secure themselves and their community. In other words, it is a concept that vividly agrees with the often-repeated notion that security is everybody’s business.

“It is, however, very important for us to recognise the need to develop a framework which will serve as a guide that will prevent the creation of gaps that will give room for uncoordinated efforts among all stakeholders.”

He added that the Lagos State government has always been in support of the desire to embrace community policing as a strategy to enhance the safety of lives and property.

Rivers: PDP urges INEC to declare lawmakers’ seats vacant.

Rivers: PDP urges INEC to declare lawmakers’ seats vacant.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats of 27 Rivers lawmakers vacant for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said that by leaving the PDP, on which platform they were elected, their seats had become vacant.

He said this was by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The statement issued in Abuja reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if..

“(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected…”

“By reason of the above Constitutional provision and its clear interpretation by the Supreme Court, the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have vacated

“They have lost their seats, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations accruable to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The PDP therefore demands that the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly immediately comply with the provision of the Constitution by declaring the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant.”

“In view of the vacancy now exiting in the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State, the PDP demands that INEC should within the stipulated period under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) conduct fresh election to fill the vacancies.”

The PDP spokesman also cautioned the defectors from parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly as that would amount to impersonation.

Victor Osimhen Breaks 24-Year Jinx, Wins 2023 CAF Men’s ‘Player Of The Year.

Victor Osimhen Breaks 24-Year Jinx, Wins 2023 CAF Men’s ‘Player Of The Year.                               By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a historic moment, Victor Osimhen, the 24-year-old Napoli striker, shattered a 24-year jinx by winning the 2023 CAF Men’s 'Player of the Year.' The announcement took place at the gala held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.

Osimhen secured the coveted individual prize for male African footballers by outshining tough competition from Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco. This victory marked him as the first Nigerian to clinch the CAF Men’s 'Player of the Year' since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

The Napoli star had an exceptional 2023, starting with leading Napoli to its first Italian Serie A title in 30 years during the previous season. Osimhen's remarkable performance included scoring 25 league goals, making him the league’s top scorer and the first African footballer to achieve this feat.

His contributions extended to the AFCON 2024 qualification campaign, where he emerged as the top goalscorer with ten goals, playing a crucial role for Nigeria. Osimhen's achievements were acknowledged globally when he was named the eighth-best male footballer in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, finishing higher than any other African player.

Adding to his accolades, Osimhen recently received the Italian Footballers’ Association (IFA) Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 season, having been the highest goalscorer in the league with 25 goals.

This victory places Osimhen in the esteemed company of male Nigerian football legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Kanu, the latter winning the prize twice.

In a historic triumph for Nigeria, both the CAF women's and men's Player of the Year awards were claimed by Nigerians. 🇳🇬

Rape Epidemic Must End In Ekiti, Says First Lady.

Rape Epidemic Must End In Ekiti, Says First Lady.

.....Leads Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker, SSG And Others In Street Procession Against GBV.

Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has rallied the people of the state to join hands with the state government to put an end to rape epidemic in the state.

Dr. Oyebanji said the state government is determined to apprehend perpetrators of rape, child molestation, defilement and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and bring them to justice to serve as deterrent to others.

Speaking during a street procession in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Monday to mark the end of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, Dr. Oyebanji stressed that the offence of rape now carries life sentence for any convicted offender in the state.

The First Lady was joined during the street procession by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju and other female Assembly members; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro and other members of the State Executive Council.

The procession which started at the Funmilayo Olayinka Women Centre, Fajuyi, took the First Lady and other participants who carried various placards to Ereguru, Post Office Roundabout, Bisi Market, Okeyinmi, Ojumose, Okesa Market and terminated at the starting point.

Some of the placards read "Stop Rape," "Rape Is A Crime," "Teach Men To Respect "Women," "No To Domestic Violence," "Stop Gender-Based Violence," "Stand Up For Women's Rights," "We Must Join Hands To End Sexual Assault," "Say No To Female Genital Mutilation," among others.

Addressing market women, their customers, motorists, motorcyclists, passersby and other members of the public, the Governor's wife warned that failure to report crime or any attempt to cover up the crime is also punishable under the law, noting that the rally was also aimed at enlightening the people to avoid running foul of the law.

The First Lady warned men and boys to discipline themselves and refrain from engaging in sexual violence and avoid spending the rest of their lives in jail over sexual offences, as the law must take its course on anyone caught committing the crime.

She also decried the increasing rate of domestic violence warning husbands against beating their wives and wives beating their husbands noting that such could lead to loss of lives within the four walls of marriage.

While advising parents to utilize the opportunity of free education from primary to secondary school in the state, the First Lady charged them to send their wards to school and not to use them for hawking which exposes the female ones to sexual abuse.

Apart from free education in public primary and secondary schools, Dr. Oyebanji said the state government also pays West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for School Certificate candidates and also sponsors Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to relieve parents of the burden of paying for their children.

She enjoined parents to be interested in the education of their children including the female ones noting that education has the capacity to set them on the path of greatness, also securing the future of the parents in their old age.

Apparently concerned about the increasing rate of sexual offences, especially rape in the state which has assumed an epidemic level, Dr. Oyebanji declared that there is no hiding place for the offenders again in the state vowing that they would be arrested and be made to face the law, no matter how long it takes.

She said: "The rate of rape, child defilement and molestation is very alarming in Ekiti State. Many of the rapists among us are people who are familiar with the victims and these include some family members living under our roof, stepfathers raping stepdaughters their wives brought in from previous marriage.

A recent report detailed the rape of a 16-year-old girl who struggled to free herself from the assailant. Shockingly, the rapist resorted to stabbing her in the chest and belly to subdue her resistance.The girl landed in the hospital as a result of the brutal attack.

" The perpetrator is still at large, but we are committed to pursuing and apprehending him to ensure justice is served. 

There is no refuge for rapists and sexual offenders among us; the law will reach them, and they will face the consequences for their crimes.

The First Lady also spoke against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) describing the practice as harmful to the girl child and no longer acceptable in our society.

While warning parents against the practice, Dr. Oyebanji said it is only the circumcision of the male children that is acceptable in the society and not that of the female children which she said exposes them to infections and other risks.

The First Lady appreciated the people of the state for their unflinching support for the Oyebanji Administration saying the government is always interested in their welfare and wellbeing and would not relent in making their lives better.

President Tinubu: The Battle To Keep Nigeria Secure Is One I Will Not Lose.

President Tinubu: The Battle To Keep Nigeria Secure Is One I Will Not Lose.

President Bola Tinubu says he will continue to work assiduously and provide the military with the necessary support to keep the troublers of the nation at bay. 

Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, the President said he has no intention of relenting or resting on his laurels in securing Nigeria, declaring that he will win the battle to keep Nigeria safe.

President Tinubu, who acknowledged the Nigerian Army's commitment to national security, asked the army to remain non-partisan but vigilant in upholding democratic principles, emphasizing their role as a guardian of constitutional order during elections.

"The professional conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States underscores your role as a guardian of our constitutional order and democracy precepts. In this regard, the Nigerian Army must remain completely non-partisan but vigilantly pro-democracy. 

"We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned during this Conference. 

"These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people," the President said.

Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, President Tinubu also affirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernization process within the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.

The President, while expressing the nation's gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, recalled his earlier approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes, even as he pledged continuous government support for the welfare of serving personnel and their families.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the President's new approach to empowering the force and enhancing intra-military collaboration has led to a substantial increase in morale for the armed forces.

"Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President," the Minister stated.

He pledged to sustain his support for the Nigerian military in the provision of infrastructure while acknowledging the unalloyed commitment of the Tinubu administration to substantial investments to enhance the operational capabilities of the military. 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the President that ongoing military operations in different parts of the country have significantly weakened criminal elements, while checkmating farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country. 

"Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognize the importance of continuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulating long-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutional responsibility in the year 2024," the Army Chief said.

Northern lawmakers pledge N350m to rebuild bombed Kaduna community.

Northern lawmakers pledge N350m to rebuild bombed Kaduna community.

The Northern caucus of the House of Representatives on Monday pledged N350m to assist the Federal Government in rebuilding Tudun Biri, a community in Kaduna State accidentally bombed by the Nigerian Army last week.

A bomb intended to flush out bandits from Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, hit the wrong target, killing an estimated 120 innocent people and injuring scores of others.

On Monday, the Northern House caucus, led by Alhassan Doguwa, announced its intention to visit the area to commiserate with families and survivors.

In a statement personally signed by the Kano lawmaker, the group condemned the incident and pledged their readiness to assist the government in bringing life to normalcy in the area.

“The Northern caucus is to provide for various developmental projects ranging from the provision of health care facilities, blocks of classrooms, water boreholes and a community town hall worth N350m to support the Federal Government efforts in rebuilding the community.

“The caucus has announced a monetary donation of Mr Speaker and that of the Northern regional caucus of the Federal House of Representatives amounting to the sum of N45m cash,” the statement read in part.

The lawmakers commended “The charitable commitment of the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their patriotic commitments to combat the upsurge of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities that plagued some parts of the country”, even as they lamented the continuous violent campaigns by bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

“Against the backdrop of such unshakable recurrent mishaps, the caucus has resolved to pay a condolence visit to commiserate with the government, and the leaders of the Tudun Biri community on Monday, 11th November, 2023 to commiserate with survivors of the unfortunate incident.

“The visit is aimed at securing first-hand insights of what transpired and enabling it to garner useful information to forestall future occurrence.

“The caucus commends the Tinubu-led Federal Government for promptly reaching out to victims and for taking charge of the victims’ welfare.

“The caucus has pledged to follow up with the Federal Government to ensure appropriate compensations for the victims and the community as promised by the Federal Government. The caucus is poised to provide the legal framework for the compensation, and also ensure that the families of those who were killed are adequately captured in the compensation scheme.

“The caucus appeals to the affected community and the leaders to remain calm and law-abiding while thanking the Government and Governor of Kaduna State for keeping to their responsibility of protecting law and order in the state,” the statement further read.

Governor Oyebanji’s Record On State Capital Development.

Governor Oyebanji’s Record On State Capital Development.

.....as Omisanjana Residents Hail Remarkable Road Reconstruction.

In a resounding chorus of appreciation, the residents of Omisanjana in Ado Ekiti have showered accolades on Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the on going reconstruction of the Omisanjana road.They lauded the governor, deeming the accomplishment as a testament to his commitment to the prosperity and development of Ekiti State.

The commendations flowed on Monday as a diverse group of residents, including traders, motorcyclists, trycycle operators, and business owners, gathered for an on-the-spot assessment led by Hon. Tade Aluko, the Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority.

Hon. Aluko emphasized that the road’s transformation aligns with the governor’s 6-point Agenda, dedicated to enhancing the welfare and business environment for all residents.

Highlighting the significance of the road in the capital’s development program, Hon. Aluko assured residents of Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises. He urged residents to actively support government initiatives by adhering to road safety measures and avoiding actions that could compromise the newly reconstructed road.

Residents, including a fashion designer, the head of the celestial parish pastor, and a Keke driver, echoed their satisfaction with the road’s metamorphosis. They praised the widened and smooth road, absence of boreholes, dust-free conditions, and the addition of well-constructed drainage channels to prevent flooding during rainfall. Business owners expressed joy at the revitalization of economic activities in the area.

While celebrating the road’s reconstruction, residents appealed for the installation of speed breakers to mitigate accidents caused by over speeding. Beyond road improvements, Governor Oyebanji’s administration also earned praise for reinstating electricity in the area, further boosting local businesses and fostering a renewed sense of vibrancy in Omisanjana.