The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG set to improve nation’s security architecture- Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday said that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to improve the nation’s security architecture to ensure the protection of lives and property.

    Osinbajo said this in Akure when he visited Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere’s leader, to sympathise with him over the death of his daughter, Mrs Funke Olakunrin.

    “We are looking at the whole security architecture and trying to scale up and ensure that we are able to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

    “Security in a big country like Nigeria, as you can imagine the challenge, is dynamic and we also have to be consistently dynamic to ensure that we are able to beat the challenges as they appear,’’ he said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Olakunrin was shot on Friday by gunmen in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State.

    The Vice President, who spoke with journalists in Akure at the residence of Fasoranti, described the incident as tragic while reiterating the importance of community policing system and intelligence gathering in securing the country.

    Osinbajo recalled how President Muhammadu Buhari recently met the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Adamu, during which the latter laid out a new policy of the community policing.

    “One of the most important things in this sort of crime, because they are largely economic crimes, is that people try to make money by kidnapping.

    Read Also: NASS to discuss state, community policing, says Ado Doguwa

    ‘‘Another important thing is intelligence gathering; that is why we have the community policing system where policemen would be trained in their own local governments and they would remain there.

    “This is as close as we get to the community policing structure that we expect to have while we are engaging the Army so that there will be a bit of more military presence especially along the roads.’’

    The Vice President explained further that the Inspector-General of Police had already committed to ensure that there was full coverage of the police and even helicopters.

    “This is to fasten the search for these killers and also to ensure that there is adequate police presence to deter this kind of terrible situation from re-occurring,’’ he said.

    He expressed hope that there would be peace and calm as “some of the steps taken begin to come into fruition’’.

    For his part, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National leader, All Progressives Congress, described the incident as seriously unacceptable.

    Tinubu expressed concern about insecurity in the country and its challenges, which he said, must be faced squarely.

    “The security challenges are numerous across the country. We have to fight it. More police are being recruited but it will take time to train and deploy them to various areas.

    “Additional police patrols and security reinforcements are necessary along Ore Road and other black spots.

    “We have discussed it among the various authorities and the governor is eminently aware and being proactive about it.

    “We also have to fight poverty, unemployment and other causes that might lead people to crime and equally create opportunities to convert this tragedy to prosperity,’’ he said.

    Dignitaries at the residence include Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political matters and Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun Governor and APC stalwart.

    (NAN)

  • Presidential Panel seals Nwaoboshi’s properties in Delta, Abuja, Lagos

    The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has sealed assets and properties belonging to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, located in Warri, Asaba in Delta State, and Lagos State respectively.

    The Presidential Panel carried out the action on the premise of last week’s ruling of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which ordered an interim forfeiture of properties belonging to Nwaoboshi, who represents Delta North senatorial district.

    According to a statement by Emmanuel Nwachukwu, media adviser to the Presidential Panel Chairman Okoi Obono-Obla, the panel acted on the basis of the ruling of the Court for the forfeiture of the assets.

    Ruling in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/1127/18 filed by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property on behalf of the Federal Government, Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo, also placed a post-no-debit order on 22 bank accounts linked to Nwaoboshi.

    Read Also: Sen. Nwaoboshi asks Court to vacate order of asset forfeiture

    The embattled lawmaker was recently referred to the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel led by Chief Okoi Obono-Obla for allegedly making false assets declaration in his Form CCB1 submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    According to the ruling, 14 properties and 22 bank accounts linked to the senator are to be temporarily forfeited to the federal government.

    Aside from sealing up the properties, the Panel also wrote to several banks including Zenith International Bank Plc ; United Bank of Africa ; Sterling Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc to block Senator Nwaoboshi from operating multiple accounts maintained by him in these banks pursuant to the Order of the Interim forfeiture given by the Court.

    Some of the properties sealed by the Presidential Panel are: Summing Electrical Company located at Asagba along Asaba Airport Road, Asaba, Delta State; PON filling station along Asaba Airport Road, Asaba, Delta State and a multibillion estate under construction at Maryam Babangida Road, Asaba, Delta State.

    Others are: Cartage Cinema located at Okpana Road beside Rain Oil Petrol Station, Asaba, Delta State; Newbridge filling Station along Airport Road, Warri, Delta State and a house at No 8 Monu Olanrewaju Crescent, GRA, Asaba, Delta State.

    Senators Nwaoboshi’s properties sealed in Lagos are Guinea House,  No 27,  Marina Road, Apapa: A multi-billion building located at 41, Burma road, Apapa, Lagos.

    In Abuja, House No 25 6932 road, Adban Estate, Gwarimpa; and Plot 3011B Kuranakh Close, Maitama were sealed. Also, a number of plots of land were also sealed by the Panel.

  • 10 dead as police, bandits engage in gun duel

    A Team of ‘’Operation Puff Adder’’, led by the Division Police Officer, for Safana local government Area,Katsina State on Saturday night, engaged over 300 bandits on motorcycles  in a gun battle.

    It was gathered the bandits were armed with dangerous weapons.

    The gun exchange occurred when the bandits attacked Kirtawa village.

    The police responded to a distress call from victims in the neighboring villages

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer for Katsina state police Command, Superintendent Gambo Isah, said the DPO for Safana initially led the teams of Operations “Puff Adder” and Sharan-Daji to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

    He said’’   In the process the hoodlums shot the tires of the police Armored Personnel Vehicle and injured one Army and one Civil Defense personnel.

    ‘’At the time the combined ground forces were mobilised into the village the hoodlums had already operated and escaped into the forest.

    “10 persons were found dead, five injured and 5 motor vehicles and four (4) motorcycles were set ablaze’’.

    He further disclosed that an unspecified number of cows were rustled by the  hoodlums, adding further noted that from the command’s preliminary investigations on the matter revealed that it was a reprisal attack carried out by the hoodlums against the community.

    He assured that Joint security forces have been deployed to the area to arrest the situation, pursue and arrest the fleeing hoodlums.

    He said’’ The Command commiserates with families of the deceased and the entire people of Katsina state over the unfortunate incident’’.

    “It also assures the people  that government and security forces are mapping out formidable strategies toward containing and bringing to an end the menace of banditry in the state’’.

  • Gbajabiamila optimistic of Eagles’ victory over Algeria

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed optimism  that the Nigerian Super Eagles would triumph over their Algerian counterparts at the semi-final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Egypt.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker,  Mr.Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said his optimism was not only based on the superlative performance of the Super Eagles at the ongoing tournament but also by their records over their opponents today.

    Gbajabiamila said history would repeat itself during the semi-final between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes of Algeria today.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Nigeria’s match against Algeria will be tough — Odegbami

    “I have no doubt that the Super Eagles will be victorious today. From a total of 19 encounters, Nigeria won nine matches, Algeria won seven, while there were four draws.

    “Considering the current superlative form of the Super Eagles, I have no doubt that we will be victorious today. I urge our boys to go out there, be determined and enjoy themselves,” the statement reads.

    Recall that Gbajabiamila had penultimate Saturday, July 6, led a Federal Government delegation to boost the morale of the Super Eagles players during their knockout stage match with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    The Super Eagles thereafter defeated Cameroon by 3 goals to 2 and went ahead to defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday 2-1 during their quarter-final match.

  • Killings: Students’ group wants S/W governors to act fast

    The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union has decried the spate of killings and other violent crimes in the country, saying that enough is enough and that the time to act is now.

    In a statement issued by its National Senate President, Comrade Kolade Ifeoluwa, in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, said that the government should without further delay do what was necessary to deal with insecurity in the country.

    ”The safety of citizens of this country should be placed above any other issue,” the group stated.

    The group was reacting to the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the 58-year-old daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a leader of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba organisation, on Friday.

    The group described the murder of Olakunrin by yet-to-be identified gunmen as one too many, saying the incident reflected the seriousness of the insecurity in the country, especially in the Southwest region.

    It asked the Southwest governors and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams to stand up for the region before the situation would get out of hand.

    Read Also: Yoruba groups to rally against killings, kidnapping in Southwest

    “We are being made to see the situation and having the impression that the government was incompetent, and saying with a bleeding heart that the problem is unacceptable to us and Nigerian students in general.

    “We are calling on government at all levels to wake up and urgently take action to protect lives and properties in the country.’’

    The group called on Southwest leaders, particularly the governors, to rise to the challenges of increasing insecurity in the region.

    “We share in this loss and condole with the bereaved family and we are calling on the Southwest governors to act now.

    “Our governors must realise that they shall be held responsible, individually and collectively, should they fail to prioritise and support one another in securing their people. The time to act is now.

    “The stories of series of security challenges from Yoruba land should be stopped by whatever means possible.

    “The time for our governors to stand up on our behalf is now, they can count on our support, the students, anytime we are called upon in their bid to drive out these criminals from our land.

    “It is only by doing this that Mrs. Olakunrin and all those murdered before her, especially Yoruba leaders like Chief Bola Ige, Pa Alfred Rewane, Kudirat Abiola, among others, would not have died in vain.”

    (NAN)

  • Anambra: Police nabs car snatcher, recovers vehicle

    A 25-year old man, Praise Okolie Tochukwu has been arrested by the police for snatching a vehicle at gunpoint in Nkwelle Ogidi, Anambra State.

    The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Mohammed, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect conspired with his accomplices to carry out the robbery.

    He said, “At about 11:pm, following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to Ogidi Division in conjunction with vigilante group arrested at Nkwelle Ogidi one Praise Okolie Tochukwu ‘m’ of the same address.

    “Suspect conspired with his accomplices now at large and snatched at gunpoint a Toyota spider car with registration number FJK 54 CC from one Okpalaezekoli Ifeanyi ‘m’ of Omogba phase 1 OSHA around 7:pm same date.”

    Read Also: Two on Anambra police wanted list nabbed with ammunition

    Mohammed said the suspect had confessed to the crime, adding that the vehicle had been recovered in his possession and registered as exhibit.

    The spokesperson further disclosed the arrest of one Nwali Chibuzor of Eke Nkpor in Idemili North LGA of the State.

    He said the suspect, a native of Eke Nkpor in Idemili North LGA of the State, had snatched a tricycle from one Uche John at about 7:08pm.

    “The tricycle was recovered from the suspect along Idemili bus stop Nkpor and the plate number was changed from Anambra HAL 776 WQ to Enugu NSK 177 QW,” he added.

    He said both cases were being investigated while efforts were on to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

  • NCC vows to checkmate cyber crime

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission,(NCC),Professor Umar Dambatta, has declared in Kano,that the issue of Cyber Crime in the country would soon come to an end,as punitive measures are been put in place to checkmate the trend.

    Dambatta,who spoke to reporters,shortly after receiving an award excellence,at the 2019 Annual Dinner and Awards Night,alongside the wife of the Kano state Governor,Dr, Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje,and others,organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers,Kabuga Branch,said that the activities of cyber crime is assuming another dimension.

    According to him,”the federal government is putting in place all necessary measures to contain cyber crime,especially in our Banking sector and other areas in the country.

    “We are aware that the cyber crime hacked,has a space file and measures has already been taken.

    Read Also: Cyber crime in South East assumes frightening dimension, EFCC

    Dambatta,explained that, the Nigerian Computer emergency response team,with a network of computers put together to contain cyber crimes are on ground,in order  to protect our cyber space.and the team is domicile in the office of the security adviser.

    Other measures put in place,is in the Telecommunication sector,where another computer emergency team,known as,cyber crime incidence response team will be set up.

    Dambatta,further explained that,when this team is in place,with the process on for the establishment of this strategic team,that will protect cyber crime on Telecommunication networks.

    He added that,”we would see that these steps being taken by the NCC,as a further reenforcement of measures by government to checkmate cyber crime and nip it in the bud”

  • Akeredolu hails new Olowo-elect, lauds peaceful conduct

    Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye on his emergence as the Olowo-elect of Owo Kingdom.

    The governor’s message came after reports he received from one of the Senior Omolowos (Kingmakers), Chief Jamiu Ekungba on the outcome of the selection process which, according to him, was peaceful, democratic and procedural in line with the customs and tradition guiding the selection of an Olowo.

    The Governor said, even as the State Government awaits a formal written communication from the Kingmakers as required by law, he was enamoured by the peaceful conduct that heralded the emergence of the Olowo-elect.

    Specifically, Governor Akeredolu in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo  commended the peaceful manner in which the selection processes went since they began.

    This, according to him, posited an enviable narrative that has dwarfed the needless tension which enveloped the ancient City of OWO since the commencement of the selection processes.

    Read Also: Owo gets new monarch

    He said  “it is therefore, apposite to submit that the ingenious democratic template enunciated by the Kingmakers has produced the choice of Owo indigenes as demonstrated by the outcome of the selection. Mr

    Governor considers this highly commendable and an enduring legacy for Owo Kingdom.

    While wishing Prince Ogunoye God’s wisdom and Grace as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forebearers, Governor Akeredolu appealed to the Olowo-elect to unite all sons and daughters of Owo Kingdom. He particularly enjoins Prince Ogunoye to extend hands of fellowship to other contenders to the ancient throne before his emergence.

    As Owo Kingdom awaits the traditional rites that will culminate in the final coronation of the Olowo-elect, Governor Akeredolu expressed optimism that Owo indigenes would take maximum advantage of this moment of fresh breath and savour the peaceful ambience that has berthed in the Kingdom.

  • Owo gets new monarch

    Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye on Friday emerged as Olowo designate Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State out of 18 contestants.

    Ogunoye got 14 out of 15 votes cast by the 15 senior Omolowos, who have sole responsibility to select the king for the ancient town, in an election conducted by officials of the local government.

    Ogunoye is from Ogunoye ruling house of the town.

    Responding to his selection, the Olowo-elect lauded the electoral process and promised to preserve and promote the customs and traditions of the town.

    Read Also: Five shortlisted for Olowo

    He promised that his reign will signal a clear departure from the past, assuring that his tenure would be a peaceful one.

    Ogunoye requested the collaboration of other contestants to make Owo Town great.

    Also speaking, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, Ojomuluda of Ijebu-Owo, tasked Ogunoye to conduct himself as the Olowo-elect henceforth.

    Oladoyinbo urged him to caution his exuberant supporters to avoid trouble, telling him to be magnanimous in victory.

    He added that other contestants were also qualified as princes to be king, saying that he should collaborate with them in building Owo.

  • ‘Why DGM Nigeria will make economic impact’

    As part of its business expansion, Hybrid Group has taken Dangerous Goods Management (DGM), one of the multinational business to Nigeria, having successfully operated in Ghana and Kenya.

    The DGM Group, which is known for handling dangerous goods transportation within and outside the country, provides a complete solution for hazardous materials.

    It has been operating since 1987 in over 45 countries across various continents of the world, helping individuals and businesses build the needed competences and structures to handle and manage dangerous goods.

    Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer, Dapo Omolade, said the main objective of the unveiling was to create awareness and inform Nigerians that Hybrid had received approval to commence business in Nigeria.

    He said: “We are now accredited and recognised as a member of the highly esteemed Dangerous Group Management (DGM) support, a global entity operating in more than 45 countries across various continents of the world. The group is helping individuals and businesses build the needed competences and structures to handle and manage dangerous goods.

    Read Also: Minister: high population reduces impact of economic growth

    “DGM is highly recognised by government and private institutions like the International Air Transport Association, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, among others. They have, by extension, recognised our quality in the holistic management of dangerous goods,’’ Omolade said.

    He continued: “As the tagline of DGM Support says, ‘taking the dangers out of dangerous goods’, our focus is ensuring that the multi-modal transportation of dangerous goods are safe and without accidents.”

    Omolade also emphasised DGM will have positive impact on economy.

    According to him: “The economic landscape of Nigeria presently also lends good reasons for the launch of DGM Nigeria. This is because the company has competence and required resources to help reduce potential losses from poor management of dangerous goods, the scope of which ranges from all forms of chemical and allied products, to equipment, radioactive materials, etc that are transported and used in various sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, health institutions, pharmaceuticals, mining, telecoms, aviation and marine.”

    Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muhtar Shaibu Usman, believed there is need to educate the public on the consequences and challenges of dealing with dangerous goods.

    Usman, who was represented by NCAA Flight Operations Inspector, Retired Group Capt. E. C Agu, said: “I am here not to talk about dangerous goods only, I am also here to say that awareness about dangerous goods is not good enough.

    “I am looking forward to seeing more adverts on dailies to educate people on the consequences and challenges of dealing with dangerous goods, which the public do not know.”

    Deputy Corps Commander Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anthony Daudu, said transporting dangerous goods by road is a serious challenge that should be tackled by the Federal Government.

    Daudu, who was represented by the Lagos Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC, Mike Obayemi, said: “This is a laudable business that will go a long way in rejuvenating the transport system in Nigeria.