Soludo reinstates monarchs, reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, others.

Soludo reinstates monarchs, reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, others.

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reinstated three traditional rulers who were suspended for conferring unauthorised chieftaincy titles on certain individuals, including the senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

One of the affected traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was particularly suspended for conferring chieftaincy title on Ubah.

The suspension of the monarchs generated controversies across the state, which necessitated the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, accusing the governor, in an open letter to the state government, of not respecting traditional institutions in the state.

Achebe also condemned the suspension of Igwe Ezeani of Neni by the state government.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, said the governor had reinstated the suspended Neni monarch, and forgave two others of their infractions.

Aburime said the governor forgave the traditional rulers’ trespasses in a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 monarchs.

He said the meeting was held on Tuesday at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

Aburime said while the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Ezeani, was reinstated, those of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were forgiven of their infractions, following their apologies, adding that the governor also addressed some of the welfares of the state monarchs.

He said, “The governor also magnanimously addressed some of their welfare issues. The governor announced that the state government accepts the apologies of the affected traditional rulers, and subsequently reinstated the traditional ruler of Neni, and forgave the traditional rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.

“Mr Governor further clarified the legal status of the Igwe Nawfia as advised by his legal team.

“As part of the vote of thanks, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto who gave the votes of thanks requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor, which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.

“The meeting ended on a high note with the traditional leaders having photo sessions with Mr Governor.

“The meeting of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers was convened by Mr Governor to meet with the traditional rulers as part of a consultative meeting with stakeholders to review progress.”

This is part of the lineup of events in the New Year, which began with a retreat for members of the State Executive Council, followed by engagements with Ndi Anambra in Lagos and the Consular-General of the US Embassy.

“About 94 traditional rulers were in attendance, despite the short notice.”

At the meeting, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, in his opening remarks strongly reaffirmed the unalloyed solidarity and support of the traditional rulers for the government of Professor Soludo and assured the government that the traditional rulers stand ready to partner with the government in all its efforts to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland.

“He also expressed the wish that some of the issues pertaining to the suspension of some traditional rulers and the controversies of the last few days arising therefrom be put to a rest.

“He requested that there were other issues that the traditional rulers wish to bring to the government, and further expressed a desire to have another forum after the meeting to discuss these issues, including the welfare of the traditional rulers. He further requested for a meeting with government officials to discuss other issues of mutual interest.”

In his address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, assured the traditional rulers that government holds them in high esteem, and look forward to continuing working with them closely.

Nwabunwanne tried to clarify some of the issues leading to the suspension of a traditional ruler and query of two others, assuring them that this was all in the spirit of ensuring law and order in the state.

He also highlighted the concerns of some traditional rulers over the composition of member of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, informing that such concerns and similar issues are being looked into by government.

Sanwo-Olu unveils Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

Sanwo-Olu unveils Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, unveiled the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

The hospital, located on Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island Lagos, is a “state-of-the-art hospital that is into general services, including major procedures like open heart surgery, bariatrics surgery, urology, neurology, critical emergency care and many more,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

Speaking at the unveiling, the governor said his administration believed that involving the private sector in the health care industry was crucial to ensuring access to high-quality medical care for our citizens.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “Today, I unveiled the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Victoria Island, alongside the Chairman, Mr Fola Adeola; his wife, Mrs Hajara Adeola; Mrs Toyin Saraki, and others.

“The Iwosan Lagoon Hospital is a state-of-the-art establishment whose services include procedures like open heart surgery, bariatric surgery, urology and many more.

“I congratulate the management and staff of the hospital for a successful inauguration.

“As a government, we are dedicated to creating an environment that fosters the growth of private enterprise in Lagos. Our ongoing commitment involves introducing policies aimed at increasing private investment in health care. We firmly believe that involving the private sector in the health care industry is crucial to ensuring access to high-quality medical care for our citizens.”

Afenifere demands state police, scraps Adebanjo’s leadership title.

Afenifere demands state police, scraps Adebanjo’s leadership title.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, on Wednesday, annulled the office of the acting leader of the group, being occupied by Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

This was as the organisation reiterated its call for the formation of state police amid the rising insecurity in the land.

Afenifere, which appointed Adebanjo as the acting leader of the group in 2022, said the position had been abrogated and formed another group named Afenifere Elders Caucus, with Adebanjo a member and Fasoranti as leader.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the monthly meeting of the group held at the residence of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Wednesday. The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Jare Ajayi.

The communique read, “In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided that the position of Acting  Leader and Deputy Leader have now been abrogated.

“The responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus, which is hereby constituted.”

According to the communique, Fasoranti is the Chairman of the Eelders Caucus while the members of the group include Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu,  Basorun Seinde Arogbofa,  Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele,  Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani, Akinrinade (retd),  Maj. Gen. Olu Bajowa (retd), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof Banji Akintoye, among others.

At the meeting, the group also expressed its displeasure over the state of the nation with particular reference to the socio-economic and security situations in the country, saying it was time to restructure the country as a means towards a new lease of life and a better Nigeria.

“There is an urgent need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way. Such reworking should include giving states and local government councils that so desire to establish their own police services with all the requisite powers to function as such. Doing so would check if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.

“The unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscores the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with particular reference to mining and exploration.

“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining, for instance, the Oyo State Government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around. Such would have prevented last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatised hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into billions of naira. “

While reiterating that it was time to restructure the country, the Afenifere urged President Bola Tinubu to set the machinery in motion for the purpose.

“The organisation (Afenifere) took note of the fact that the President, a known democrat and federalist, would not hesitate to do things that will quicken the country’s quest for true federalism in which people would have self-determination within the context of one nation that is genuinely democratic and federal,” it said.

Ibadan explosion: Oyo state will come out stronger, says Makinde.

Ibadan explosion: Oyo state will come out stronger, says Makinde.

Governor Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, January 24, declared that the state and the people affected in the January 16, 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, will come out stronger, saying that the government has been working out a long-term solution to the challenges posed by the incident.

He added that the government has been battling with the fallout of the incident, including providing medical attention to casualties, giving temporary accommodation to victims and dealing with the security aspect of the incident.

According to the governor, there has also been the humanitarian side of things, especially with regards to children affected by the incident, who are supposed to be in school.

Governor Makinde stated this when he received members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde said: “Yes, we have been battling with the fallout from the incident; we have been trying to give the affected people temporary accommodation so that they can continue their lives.

“Also, we have the people who got injured and need medical attention and the humanitarian side of it where some children are supposed to be in school now. So, it is still very early days and we have to look at a long term solution. We are also dealing with the security aspect of the incident.

“So, you need to keep encouraging us and supporting us where possible as well as keep praying for us.”

The governor appreciated the PDP BoT for its visit to the state, which he described as encouraging, noting that it indicated that the body was looking out for his government.

He added that the visit of the body, which included Nigerians from different parts of the country, was also an indication of the fact that the country is one.

The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to pledge his support for the unity of the party, saying he would continue to play a positive role towards ensuring that the PDP becomes united and formidable.

Governor Makinde, who also charged the BoT members to, as the conscience of the party, put in the work towards steering the party in the right direction, added that he has been reaching out to colleague-governors to ensure that the party becomes more united.

He said: “Regarding our party, I am proud of the role the BoT is playing. I received the letter and have responded to the letter. I did not mince words in terms of what we should be doing as a party. Unity is important and we have to unite.

“Yes, it is normal to disagree within ourselves because what is facing me may be backing somebody else. But it is important that we seek alignment to reduce those areas of disagreement or friction, and you are already leading the charge, and I want to thank you for that.

“I also feel few people within our party are still thinking in terms of the enormity of the challenges and errors. I want to encourage such individuals not to feel bad because we faced more than that in 2017 and 2018 in Oyo State. And today, we have PDP at the local level 100 per cent. At the state level, we have over 96 per cent because we have some opposition.

“So, we don’t have to be discouraged. Yes, we have a lot of hard work to do in terms of appealing to ourselves and reaching out for unity within the party at the national level. And I want to say that I am here to play a positive role for us to be able to achieve this desired unity. I am fully committed to the great party.”

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the PDP BoT and former Senate President, Senator Wabara, commended the governor for his prompt response to the unfortunate incident and for showing his prowess as an engineer by directing that a structural integrity test be conducted on about 230 buildings in the affected area.

The body expressed its condolences to the governor and the government of the state as well as families, who lost loved ones to the incident, as it observed a minute of silence for the departed souls.

It noted that the nation must avoid a recurrence of such incidents by embarking on a thorough investigation.

The PDP BoT equally commended Governor Makinde for delivering on his electoral mandate to the people of the state through laudable infrastructural projects.

PSC appoints Galadanci DIG, promotes 1,897 senior police officers.

PSC appoints Galadanci DIG, promotes 1,897 senior police officers.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, January 24, approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Dasuki Galadanci AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi as a Deputy Inspector General of Police to representing the North West Geopolitical zone of the country.

He will replace DIG Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje who is expected to retire 2nd of February this year.

PSC also approved the promotion of 1,897 senior Police Officers to their next substantive ranks.

The Commission elevated 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police.

However, one of the Commissioners for promotion to AIG stepped down to enable the Commission to review the Pending Disciplinary Matters against the Officer which was sent to the Commission by the Nigeria Police Force.

The new AIGs are: Yetunde O. Longe, CP Eastern Ports, Portharcourt; Haruna Gabriel Garba, CP Federal Capital Territory; Tajudeen Akinwale Abass, CP Delta State; Rex Dundun, CP General Investigation, FCID Annex Kaduna; Durosinmi Olatoye, CP Akwa Ibom State; Afolabi Babatola Adeniyi, CP Adamawa State; Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, CP Ondo State; CP Julius Alawari Okoro; CP Plateau state; George Chijioke Chuku, CP Benue State; Paul Alifa Omata, CP K9 Force Headquarters; Yusuf Adesina Akeem, CP Research and Development, Force Headquarters; Bzigu Yakabu kwazhi Dali, CP Osun State; Idris Nagoyo, Police Mounted troop Squadron and Cp Ogundare Dare Emmanuel, Cp Ekiti state.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani: “The Commission also promoted 21 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive rank of Commissioners; 20 Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners, 109 Chief Superintendents to Assistant Commissioners and 184 Superintendents to Chief Superintendents.

“It also considered and approved the promotion of 1549 Assistant Superintendents to Deputy Superintendents.

“The Commission Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, retired Inspector General of Police who presided over the Management Meeting of the Commission has accordingly given anticipatory approval for the appointment of one DIG and promotion of 1897 senior Police Officers recommended to the Commission by the Inspector General of Police.

“The 14 Commissioners of Police and 21 Deputy Commissioners appeared before the Management of the Commission for an interactive promotion interview, a condition precedent for their elevation to the next ranks.

“Arase at the interactive session charged the Officers to quickly settle down to their new ranks and go forth and win the war against banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes in the country.

“He said the nation is facing an avoidable unprecedented wave of criminal assaults on all fronts and said the Commission is uncomfortable with the trend of events.

“The PSC Chairman enjoined the Officers to settle down and crime map their various areas of responsibility by being conversant with trends and patterns of crimes in their domain and should be able to engage in predictive policing to mitigate the current criminal disorders by criminal gangs now marauding across the length and breadth of the country.

As senior Officers, he said they must be held responsible for any relapse in the security apparatus of the nation, adding that they must see their new ranks as a call to greater dedication to the service of their fatherland.

“These promotions should further ignite the indomitable fighting spirit of the Officers and Men”, he admonished the newly promoted Officers.

He said: “The Deputy Commissioners promoted to the next rank of substantive Commissioners are; Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo, Assistant Chief of Mission in Somalia; Mohammed Dahiru, DCP State CID Adamawa; Sunday Olukayode, DCP Operations, Plateau State; Peter Ukachi Opara, DCP Admin, Imo State; Illiyasu Yahaya Kwarbai, DCP investagion Zonal Command Bauchi; Bello Mohammed Sani, DCP Projects Monitoring, IGP Secretariat; Mohammed Umar Abba, DCP State CID, Delta Command; Dankombo Faling Morris, DCP Ops Adamawa Command; Bello Shehu, National Defence College; Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba; DCP Zonal CID Kano; Ahmed Musa, DCP State CID, FCT Cmd, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, former Force Public Relations Officer and currently DCP General Investigation Unit, FCID Annex, Gombe; Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, DCP Ops Cross Rivers State Command; Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina, DCP Benue State Command and David Iloyanomon, DCP Administration. Anambra Command.

“Others are; Haruna Olufemi, DCP Force Intelligence Bureau; Rose Chollom Dung, DCP Administration, Bauchi Command; Obono Nnaghe Itam, DCP Operations Zone 6 Calabar; Adedamola Waheed Ayilara, DCP FCID Panti Lagos; Abel Jangnap Miri Zwalchir, DCP ICT Administration Force Headquarters and Ifeanyi Uka DCP/ second in Command Works, Force Headquarters Abuja.

“The 20 Assistant Commissioners of Police promoted to Deputy Commissioners, include; Gerald Ngoziabata, Nigerian Army Resource Centre; Okenla Oluseyi ACP DFA, Cooperatives, Lagos; Olubunmi Fakeye, ACP Police College Ikeja; Ayodeji Adelogagunduro, Area Commander Ayetoro, Ogun State; Samuel Dalti Dang of Armament section, Force Headquarters;

“Some of the CSPs promoted to Assistant Commissioners are; Casmir Ihiezu, Lagos Command; Charity Belema Megbope, Ogun Command; Gamaliel Alex, Rivers State Command; Sani Ahmed, DPO Awada Anambra stste; Cecilia Aniedy Udo, DPO Mini Okoro, Portharcourt; CSP Dalapo Badmos, CSP Administration Provost Marshal Force Headquarters; Adamu Ahmadu, Commander C41 Intelligence Unit, Rivers State Command; CSP Collins Eruogu, former Commanding Officer 33PMF and presently Commander AKS/RRS Anambra State Command; CSP Isreal Effiong Ukpong 2/ic 19PMF Portharcourt; CSP Linus Uche Nwaiwu, Police Training school, Nekede, Imo state; CSP Onoh Charles, CSP Administration ICT, Force Headquarters; CSP Abubakar Abdulkarim, DPO Kubwa FCT; CSP Taiwo Oladipupo Akingbehin, Commander EOD, Force Headquarters Annex Ikeja; CSP Moses Odu Osor, Zone 7 Abuja; CSP Garba Bala, DPO Dawakin, FCT; CSP Benjamin Igometi and CSP Chinna Joe-Iruobe of the Veterinary section, Force Headquarters.

“Some of the 184 Officers promoted to CSP from the rank of SPs are; Victor Olowola; Ibrahim Abdullahi; Hassiani Audu; Stephen Bob Samuel; Mohammed Alhaji; Onukafor Kingsley Nkuma, CSP to the Governor of Anambra State; Fabian Iloabanafor, Commander CP Monitoring and Surveillance team, Ebonyi state Command; Luka Paul Sambo, DPO New Benin, Benin City, Edo State and Agboni Jacob Christopher, 54 PMF, Onitsha”.

The statement said the approval has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

American Corners reinforce vibrant U.S.-Nigeria relationship – Blinken.

American Corners reinforce vibrant U.S.-Nigeria relationship – Blinken.

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says American Corners reinforce the incredibly vibrant relationship between Nigeria and the U.S.

He said that Nigeria had more spaces than any other African country.

Blinken said these on Wednesday, in Lagos, at the grand opening of the American Corner in Lekki, a partnership between the U.S. Consulate General and 21st Century Technologies Limited, an ecosystem technology group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Blinken was on a visit to Nigeria as part of his tour of four African nations including Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, and Angola.

NAN also reports that the new American Corner in Lekki is the 26th in Nigeria and one of the most innovative and tech enabled American Spaces in Africa, supporting youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

American spaces are cultural and information centers around the world that provide free and open access for members of local communities to learn more about the U.S. and access a wide range of resources.

Blinken said he was aware that many Nigerians wanted to acquire new skills and spend time in the U.S. studying, working or engaging in other activities.

According to him, this can be done through many ways, and American spaces are a big part.

“What it means is even more opportunity for Nigerians of any age to learn about the United States, to participate in professional development trainings and to get advice on studying in the U.S..

“Now, it’s particularly exciting because we are sharing this space with one of the continent’s most innovative incubators, 21st Century Technologies,” he said.

According to him, it takes a village of government and private sector entrepreneurs to build the infrastructure to promote and support growth.

He underscored the need to fully empower more women, noting that if women from around the world participated equally, $28 trillion would be added to the global economy.

Blinken also said no one place, nor people, had a monopoly on good ideas or innovation.

According to him, especially in this century, the true wealth or strength of a nation will be in its ability to allow its human resources to flourish.

“Military matters, geography matters, sizing population matters, the abundance of natural resources matters, but human resources matter most of all, and countries are succeeding in relation to the resources, no matter whether they have an abundance of power or those other things.

“One of the things I found very powerful is, when you put young minds and technology together, they can find solutions and solve problems in ways that some of us who may be a little bit older cannot do.”

Blinken said it was clear everyday that there were tremendous challenges and bumps in the road giving energy to move forward.

He said these challenges were also opportunities to unleash imagination, innovation and partnership.

it is no longer a secret that the future is with Africa and the world would ignore Africa at its own peril.

“We look forward to ambition continuing to grow alongside with innovation . And as it does, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”

Wale Ajisebutu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 21st Century Technologies said the American corner ticked many boxes for his digital industry.

“We set out to work with people and partner and what we’re doing today will help us achieve our objectives and help Nigerians better.

“The new American corner will provide a platform for digital and cultural exchange and will empower Nigerians.”

According to him, poverty is a lack of access to technology and if any group of people can be given access to technology, they will be lifted out of poverty.

“This center will serve as an innovative springboard for everyone in this area and ensure that we become what we are meant to be,” Ajisebutu said.

(NAN)

Judicial workers boo sacked Commissioner out of office.

Judicial workers boo sacked Commissioner out of office.

Ondo judicial workers on Wednesday booed and mocked former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye.

Titiloye was said to be in his office when news filtered in that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had dissolved the cabinet.

It was gathered the judicial workers gathered around the premises to watch him leave when they learnt of the Governor’s action.

Titiloye delayed leaving the office as hundreds of angry workers outside waited for him to step out.

The workers poured invectives on him over his alleged highhandedness while in office.

But policemen whisked Titiloye away in another vehicle after the tires of his car were deflated by the angry workers.

One of the workers, who simply gave her name as Evelyn, said: “Titiloye Charles frustrated everyone working in the ministry. We don’t know when the late Akeredolu picked him up and left him in the office all this time.

“There was a time that we judicial workers wanted to go on strike because of his attitude towards us but we were appealed upon, and we shelved it.

“Honestly, he has not been a good person. What you should be concerned about is why he was the one who was booed. There are three other commissioners in the complex but Titiloye was booed. So that says a lot about his days in office.”

Titiloye could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.