Jailbreak at Ijebu Ode Correctional Home: Three Inmates Escape, Manhunt Underway.

Jailbreak at Ijebu Ode Correctional Home: Three Inmates Escape, Manhunt Underway.

In a daring escape, three inmates broke free from the Ijebu Ode Correctional Home located in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The jailbreak was confirmed by Victor Oyeleke, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, on Tuesday.

According to Oyeleke, the incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning around 3 am. Authorities have initiated a search party to apprehend the escapees and return them to custody. Oyeleke assured the public that the Correctional Service possesses the biometrics of the escaped inmates and has contacted their families.

“Yes, it is confirmed, it happened in the early hours of Saturday morning around 3 am. A search party to bring the three of them back has been raised. We have their biometrics and we have contacts of their families. We are working together with other sister agencies and in good time they will be brought back,” stated Oyeleke.

The Ijebu Imushin Area Command of So-Safe Corps also issued a statement confirming the jailbreak. The statement identified the escaped prisoners as Hammed Adeboyejo, convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande, sentenced on a Murder Case from Ijebu-Igbo; and Oguntona Aliu, convicted of Sexual Offence. The public is urged to contact the So-Safe Corps, the Nigerian Police, or any other security agency if they encounter any of the escapees.

However, when contacted, So-Safe Corps Commander Soji Ganzallo claimed no knowledge of the jailbreak, dismissing the reports.

“I don’t know anything about it, so discountenanced it,” stated Ganzallo.

The escape of the inmates raises concerns about the security measures in place at the correctional facility. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak and take necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. The ongoing manhunt reflects the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend the escaped inmates and ensure the safety of the public.

Naira scarcity: FG to go after economic saboteurs, says Bamidele.

Naira scarcity: FG to go after economic saboteurs, says Bamidele.

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed that the Federal Government will, from next year, go after economic saboteurs who made lives difficult and unbearable for Nigerians.

Bamidele, also Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum in the ninth National Assembly, insisted that the National Assembly would pass the 2024 appropriations bill on December 30 to sustain the January-December budget cycle.

According to a press statement from the Office of the Senate Leader on Tuesday, Bamidele made this disclosure at a session with journalists in Iyin Ekiti on Monday, saying all federal lawmakers would have to cut short their holidays to ensure speedy passage of the 2024 appropriations bill.

Bamidele expressed concerns about the activities of economic saboteurs who were doing everything to keep exchange rates high against the Naira or trying to make the Naira unavailable to the people who kept their money in banks.

He, therefore, revealed that the federal government “will, from next year, go after economic saboteurs who are making life difficult and unbearable for Nigerians. The federal government will charge, prosecute and punish them for their acts of economic sabotage.

“All these will take place next year. In the long run, those who mopped up the Naira and Dollars from the markets will face the consequences of their actions. Those who mopped up the Dollars to keep commodity prices will not escape justice.

“Those who are speculating are also on the watch list of the federal government. At some points, the federal government will have to go after them,” the senate leader revealed the plan of the federal government.

Beyond all these activities of economic saboteurs, Bamidele assured Nigerians that Nigeria would witness a true era of Renewed Hope that would herald development, progress and prosperity, citing diverse plans the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had put in place to transform the national economy.

He revealed the plan of the federal government “to invest heavily in agriculture and agro-allied industries. We are equally doing all we can to harness our solid minerals potential as much as what we derive from the sale of crude oil. We are determined to sustain the daily production of 1.7 million barrels.”

Providing further updates on the 2024 appropriation bill, the senate leader assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would pass the budget on December 30.

“To ensure the passage of the budget, We abridged time to make all ministries, departments and agencies appear before the joint sitting of all the relevant committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

“This has already reduced the time for the budget defence process by half rather than appearing before the Senate first and House of Representatives later. The resolution has also removed the need for harmonisation. In essence, we have been able to save time.

“We have also been sitting beyond our regular sitting days. We have sat on Saturdays. We may even sit on Sunday as we are approaching another year. We only give ourselves three days to go home and celebrate Christmas.

“We are reconvening on December 29. Our hope and determination is to pass by December 30. On January 1, 2024, Mr President will have the 2024 appropriation bill at his desk for assent so that its implementation can take off in earnest,” Bamidele explained.

Speaking about the consequence of fuel subsidy removal, Bamidele said the federal government was not unmindful of its impact on Nigerians, though defended the decision of the federal government to it.

He explained that the federal government decided in the best interest of Nigerians because Nigerians were not benefiting from the fuel subsidy regime.

He said: “We are not unmindful of the immediate impact of the fuel subsidy removal. But we are convinced subsidy removal is the right decision taken because no other person than a cabal in the oil and gas industry and their promoters in the government were benefitting from the fuel subsidy regime.

“No one else is benefiting from the fuel subsidy. It was not about the people because the masses were not benefitting from it in any way. It was a major source of bleeding in our economy.

“This administration did the right thing by putting an end to the fuel subsidy regime. Part of what we have seen after the fuel subsidy removal was a fightback from those who were the beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy regime.

“They are doing everything possible to make sure the pump price of premium motor spirit goes up because we are more of a consumer economy. We do not produce. A lot of things we are consuming in Nigeria are imported.

“What this means is that if Naira is devalued either consciously against the Dollars or commodities imported to Nigeria, we have to spend more to bring these things. The supplier will have to sell them at a higher rate. This trend is making commodity prices go out of the reach of the Nigerians.

“People’s income has not increased. Yet, they have to pay double for a bag of rice today compared to what they paid one or two years ago. This is extremely painful for all Nigerians. How many Nigerians can afford a bag of rice today without a corresponding increase in their income?“Nigerians are working so hard. But the prices are rising out of their purchasing power. These are some of the immediate effects of very drastic economic decisions taken by the federal government. But its long-term effect will, God’s grace, stabilise the economy.”

President Tinubu Extols SGF George Akume's Legacy as He Celebrates 70th Birthday.

President Tinubu Extols SGF George Akume's Legacy as He Celebrates 70th Birthday.

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as he marks his 70th birthday. In a congratulatory message, President Tinubu praised the SGF for his unwavering consistency and perpetual dedication to duty in coordinating the affairs of the government.

Commending Senator Akume's illustrious career, President Tinubu highlighted his rich portfolio of leadership experience, which includes serving as governor, minister, senator, and top-flight public servant. The President emphasized that Senator Akume brings this wealth of experience to bear in his current role as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

President Tinubu celebrated Senator Akume's temperance, affability, harmony, and stability, consistently personifying these qualities as he coordinates activities within the government and collaborates with other arms of government. The SGF's accessibility, focus, and dependability in bridging the divide between policy and implementation were also commended.

"George Akume is one of the most reliable citizens this country can boast of. The people of Benue have subscribed to his sterling leadership principles and leveraged his remarkable talent for so many years because of what he has always stood for. He will be with you in the best of days, and even most reliably, in the worst of days. The country has been blessed with the dedication and sure-handedness of Senator Akume," remarked President Tinubu.

While conveying birthday wishes, President Tinubu expressed his desire for good health and strength for the SGF. He implored Senator Akume not to relent in his diligent service to the country, acknowledging the invaluable contributions he continues to make to the nation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, conveyed the President's message in the press release, recognizing Senator Akume's enduring legacy and the significant impact he has had on the country throughout his illustrious career. The celebration of Senator Akume's 70th birthday serves as a testament to his enduring commitment to public service and leadership.

President Tinubu Condemns Heinous Attacks in Plateau, Orders Swift Apprehension of Culprits.

President Tinubu Condemns Heinous Attacks in Plateau, Orders Swift Apprehension of Culprits.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong condemnation of the heinous and brutal attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, expressing profound sorrow for the tragic loss of many lives.

In response to these appalling incidents, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to take immediate action by moving into the affected areas, conducting thorough investigations, and apprehending the perpetrators responsible for these senseless acts.

The President, deeply concerned about the well-being of the affected communities, has also directed the immediate mobilization of relief resources to assist surviving victims of the primitive and cruel attacks. Additionally, medical treatment is to be provided promptly to those wounded in the attacks.

Condoling with the government and the people of Plateau State, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow responsible for these atrocities will not escape justice. The President emphasizes the commitment to ensuring that those accountable face the full consequences of their actions.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, conveyed the President's message in the press release, highlighting the urgency attached to addressing the aftermath of the attacks. The President's directive underscores the government's commitment to restoring peace and security in the affected areas.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, the call for justice becomes paramount. President Tinubu's swift response signals a determination to hold those responsible accountable and provides a glimmer of hope for the affected communities that justice will prevail. The nation waits to see how the security agencies will carry out the President's orders to apprehend the culprits swiftly and deliver justice to the victims and their families.

You must end insurgency, Matawalle tells New Generals.

You must end insurgency, Matawalle tells New Generals.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has charged newly promoted military officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end insecurity in the country.

Matawalle gave the charge in his congratulatory message signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

“The Nigerian people look up to you, our newly promoted generals, to bring an end to the insecurity that has plagued certain regions.

“Your leadership, strategic vision, and dedication will be pivotal in restoring peace, unity, and prosperity to our nation,” Matawalle said.

He emphasised the critical role the newly promoted officers were expected to play in addressing the prevailing challenges of insecurity.

“As you ascend to higher ranks, the nation places an even greater trust in your capabilities. I charge each of you to redouble your efforts and collaborate across services to decisively tackle  the security challenges facing our country.

“Your achievements reflect the values of discipline, bravery, and professionalism that define the Nigeria Armed Forces,” he further stated.

He said their promotions were a testament to their unwavering dedication and meritorious service to the nation.

He expressed confidence in their capabilities to lead with integrity, courage and excellence.

He further reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the necessary resources and support.

Tinubu’ll continue to intervene in states battling crises – Presidency.

Tinubu’ll continue to intervene in states battling crises – Presidency.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Bola Tinubu will continue to intervene in states battling political crises if such development will affect the country.

Ajuri stated this on a pre-recorded show on  Channels Television’s News Night aired on Monday.

According to him, the President was right in intervening in political crises in Ondo and Rivers State despite criticisms that the actions undermined the government of those states.

“That has nothing to do with, of course, political development, destabilisation of a particular region or state or subnational entity that could potentially turn into a national conflagration

“If the President sees that, he is not going to sit by as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and fold his hands and keep quiet. I think that is what he has done,” he stated.

The presidential aide added that Nigerians expect Tinubu’s government to offer responsible leadership to the country.

Admitting that the current administration inherited a lot of economic challenges, Ajuri stated his principal is putting things in place to tackle the issues.

“You combine all of these factors, obviously, our debt burden is another factor, you would know there is no easy fix; there is no magic wand solution to this. There is going to be pain before pleasure,”  he said.

S’Court: Kano NNPP holds prayer, Kwankwaso hopes for justice..

S’Court: Kano NNPP holds prayer, Kwankwaso hopes for justice.

A former governor of Kano State and chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will deliver justice in the Kano State governorship election matter currently before it.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Monday shortly after a prayer session held at his Miller Road residence in the Kano metropolis.

The prayer session was organised by the state government to ensure peace prevails in the state as well as to pray for the victory of Governor Abba Yusuf as the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the election case.

He said indications had shown that the Supreme Court judges were men of integrity who would do anything to ensure justice and fairness.

He said, “The unfortunate development over the governorship seat in the state will never deter them (the government) in any way but we will continue to pray for the right thing to be done at the court.”

Kwankwaso added that those at the helm of affairs must be reminded that justice is a panacea for progress while its absence will bring about chaos and disorder which will prevent meaningful development.

He added, “The mammoth crowd that poured out yesterday to welcome back Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a clear indication that the people of the state voted for him, believe in him and are strongly behind him to deliver their mandate.”

He said the drama from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal was an embarrassment and a move to truncate democracy in Nigeria “which all and sundry must work hard to prevent.”

The former governor further applauded the NNPP legal team for doing a wonderful job, praying that the Supreme Court judges would be allowed to dispense justice without using the federal might and other apparatus to intimidate them.