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  • New Year: IGP urges Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance 

    New Year: IGP urges Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance 

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

    Egbetokun emphasised the importance of collective efforts in building a harmonious society urging communities to strengthen the bonds that unite us and foster understanding among diverse groups. 

    A statement issued on Sunday, December 31, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “As we welcome the dawn of a new year, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on behalf of the Officers of the Nigeria Police Force extends warm wishes to all Nigerians. In the spirit of unity and progress, he calls upon citizens to embrace love and tolerance as pillars for fostering peace across the nation.

    Read Also: Christmas: IGP meets top police officers Monday over security

    “In these times, the IGP emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in building a harmonious society urging communities to strengthen the bonds that unite us and foster understanding among diverse groups. By embracing love and tolerance, the IGP affirms that we can overcome differences and work together towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “The IGP reiterates that the Nigeria Police remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while encouraging the public to collaborate with the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities that may threaten the peace and well-being of our communities.

    “Together, let us embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and cooperation. May this new year bring about positive transformations for our great nation.

    “Once again, we wish you a happy, prosperous, and fulfilling new year, 2024”.

  • 2024 budget: Prioritise welfare, security of Nigerians, Labour Party tells FG

    2024 budget: Prioritise welfare, security of Nigerians, Labour Party tells FG

    The Labour Party has asked the federal government to prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians instead of “funding the luxury of those elected to serve and make life better and more meaningful for ordinary Nigerians.”

    In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party alleged that the federal government has “displayed a disdain for the security and welfare of Nigerians.”

    The statement reads: “As we bid the year 2023 farewell and usher in 2024, we in the Labour Party, pray that God intervenes and brings succor to us all as Nigerians have been exposed to uphold hardships because of maladministration and insensitive government in place.

    Read Also: Labour Party members protest at INEC HQ over Imo guber election

    “While we pray, we also enjoin Nigerians to take a closer look at budgetary provisions and sectoral allocations in the 2024 budget. 

    “Looking at the 2024 budget, we cannot fail to notice the undue attention given to the comfort of those in power to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians. 

    “Critical sectors of the economy such as Education and Health were allocated N1.27tr and N1.33tr representing 7.9 and 4.8 percent of the entire budget respectively. 

    “This is in a budget which has items like: N3bn for Senate Car Park, N1bn for Constitution Review, N78.62bn for the House of Representatives and N36.727bn for the National Assembly Office, N4bn for National Assembly Recreation Centre among other unbelievable allocations. “

  • Tinubu felicitates Kaduna gov Uba Sani at 53

    Tinubu felicitates Kaduna gov Uba Sani at 53

    President Bola Tinubu has felicitated the Governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani, as he marks his 53rd birthday anniversary.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu lauded Governor Sani for his devotion to the nation, citing his role in the pro-democracy activities.

    “President Bola Tinubu sends his felicitations to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as he marks his 53rd birthday.

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    “President Tinubu celebrates the accomplished engineer and politician whose leadership odyssey has been one of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the people. 

    “The President commends the Governor for his devotion to the nation, from his early years as a pro-democracy activist, promoting the pristine elements of democracy, good governance, and national unity.

    “President Tinubu extols the brilliance and excellence of the governor, who is both a mechanical engineer of high repute and renowned finance expert, recalling his efforts as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, and now as governor.

    “The President thanks the Governor for his unwavering support while wishing him many more years in good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria”, the statement said.

  • NASS budgets N25 billion for car parks, recreation centre, hospital

    NASS budgets N25 billion for car parks, recreation centre, hospital

    The National Assembly is to construct car parks for both the Senate and House of Representatives and a recreation Centre for the Assembly at the cost of N10 billion in the 2024 budget estimate approved by the lawmakers on Saturday. 

    This is as the lawmakers made an astronomical increase in the budget estimate from N197.93 billion presented by the President to N333.85 billion, while the budget of the National Judicial Council was also increased from N165 billion to N341.63 billion.  

    N6 billion of the amount is to be used for the construction of two separate car parks for the lawmakers, while N4 billion will be used to construction the recreation centre. 

    A special provision of N30 billion was made for the FCDA in the budget for the completion of ongoing renovation work in the two chambers of the National Assembly as well as another N20 billion for the completion of office complex of the National Assembly Service Commission aside the N10 billion provided for the project in the busget of the National Assembly.

    The lawmakers have also earmarked about N15 billion to built a National Assembly Hospital.

    A study of the statutory transfers contained in the budget revealed that the busget of the Universal Basic Education Commission was increased from N251.47 billion to N263. 04 billion, while that of the Niger Delta Development Commission was also increased from N324. 8 billion to N338.9 billion. 

    The Public Complaint Commission, got a marginal increased in its budget, while the North East Development Commission, Basic Health Care Provision Fund and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure also got marginal increased in their budget. 

    However, the budget of N40 billion given to the Independent National Electoral Commission was retained, while the National Human Rights Commission budget of N5 billion did not change. 

    The capital budget of the Ministry of Works was increased by the lawmakers from about N521 billion to about N892 billion. 

    However, for the first time, the lawmakers provided a breakdown of how it intend to spend uts budget. 

    The National Assembly bureaucracy captured under the subhead of National Assembly Office got N36.727 billion, the Senate was allocated N49.144 while the House of Representatives got N78.624 billion. 

    Read Also: Onjeh decries NASS Benue APC stance on Gov Alia, sues for peace

    In addition, National Assembly Service Commission was allocated N12.325 billion, Legislatives Aides (N20.388 billion), Public Accounts Committee of both the Senate and House of Representatives were allocated N130 million and N150 million respectively. 

    The Legislative arm is budgeting N30.807 billion for general services and N15. 188 billion for Service Wide Vote. 

    The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies NILDS) has two like item in the budget N9.008 billion qnd another  and another N4.5 billion for the completion of its headquarters complex along Airport Road, Abuja. 

    The Office of Retired Clerks and Permanent  Secretaries was allocated N1.230 billion, while Appropriation Committees of the Senate and the House got N200 million each. 

    The newly completed Nass Library Complex got a take off grant N12.123 billion qnd another N3 billion for the procurement of Books, while the Assembly is to spend N9.9 billion on liabilities and N1 billion on Constitution review. 

    Also, Construction of NASC building which is an ongoing project is to gulp N10 billion, while they plan to spend about N4 billion on solar power system to serve as alternative Power Supply. 

    Other allocations include NASS Zonal Liaison Offices (N3 billion) , NASS Pension Board (!N2.5 billion take off grant), Nass Car Park Project – Senate (N3 billion), Nass Car Park Project – House of Representatives (N3 billion), Nass Hospital Project (N15 billion), Nass Recreation Centre (N4 billion). 

    The budget for the National Assembly also include Furnishing of Committee Meeting Rooms & other Offices within the Senate Building (N2.7 billion), Furnishing of Committee Meeting Rooms For House Representatives Building Part I & II (N3 billion), Upgrade of NASS Key Infrastructures (N3 billion), Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of NASS Ultramodern Printing Press (N3 billion) and Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of the National Assembly Budget & Research Office (N4 billion) 

    However, no provision was made in the budget for Tertiary Institutions Revitalization, Provision of Radio-Diagnostic Centres at Selected Federal Tertiary Hospitals and the NA Laboratory in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Hospital Abuja. 

  • Igboho to Army: Yoruba nation agitation not a threat to nation’s security

    Igboho to Army: Yoruba nation agitation not a threat to nation’s security

    Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, has rejected classification of his movement as a threat to security in southwest Nigeria by the Nigerian Army.

    The Army had on Friday reportedly classified his group as a threat to security in the region while analyzing the security situation in the country.

    The Army’s director of Defence Media Operations (DMO) Maj. Gen. Edward Buba had reportedly given the classification while addressing reporters on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) against insurgency between January and December 2023.

    The military spokesman had claimed that security threats in various geopolitical zones differ, pointing out that the major threat in the Southwest was the Yoruba nation agitators.

    However, Igboho, in a statement on Sunday, December 31, said such classification was misleading, mischievous and targeted at blackmailing a peaceful organisation seeking the entrenchment of a better society and good governance.

    He said it was a misleading classification aimed at giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

    He restated that the agitation for Yoruba nation is lawful and constitutional, urging the military to focus on routing insurgency in Nigeria instead.

    Read Also: PFN to Nigerians: forget the past, God will do a new thing in 2024

    The statement read: “We are conscious of the noble efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities. But we take exception to the wrong and baseless position of the director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, for identifying the Yoruba nation agitators as major threat to the peace in the South West.

    “This is not only far from the truth, but a flimsy excuse, which showcased the failure of the military to tackle the menace of insecurity, which threatened the peace in Nigeria, most especially during the immediate past regime of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Apart from the ignoble and vicious attacks on some states in the North, most especially in the North East, by the Boko Haram terrorists, bandits were controlling some local governments in some parts of the North during Buhari’s administration, collecting levies and other forms of revenues unhindered. The military could not do anything tangible to stop this act of threat against the territorial integrity of the nation.

    “Despite colossal sums of money in foreign currencies released to the military to procure arms and ammunition, including fighter jets, our nation still remains under the siege of marauders and rampaging terrorists, killing Nigerians in thousands and turning innocent citizens to refugees in their country.

    “Some parts of the South West, namely Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo were almost sacked by herdsmen, attacking farmers, killing them and raping their wives and daughters during Buhari’s administration. The security agencies failed to rein in these vicious individuals. Rather, some so-called repentant Boko Haram terrorists were granted amnesty and recruited into the Nigeria Army.

    “On July 1, 2021, some agents of the Department of State Security (DSS), backed by the military invaded my residence in Ibadan to kill me in the midnight all because we were agitating for Yoruba nation peacefully. Two of my aides were brutally murdered, while others were fatally injured.

    “Security agents also shot dead one of our supporters at Ojota area during a peaceful protest despite the fact that we obtained police permit. As a movement guided by laws of the land, we sued the Federal Government under Buhari on the unlawful invasion of my house and the damage caused by the DSS and secured a judgment against the government up to the Court of Appeal. This judgment, which ordered the payment of compensation running into billions of naira was not obeyed.

    “Recent sad stories of the Nigeria Army deploying drones to mistakenly drop off bombs on worshippers, numbering over 85 in Tudun Biri villages of Kaduna State and the latest Christmas eve attack on some communities in Plateau State by bandits where about 200 people, mostly women and children were cruelly murdered are critical issues our military must address.

    “Instead they are chasing shadows and wrongfully accusing Yoruba nation movement of threat to peace in the South West. This is just a figment of their own imagination which should not be ignored by discerning Nigerians and other relevant stakeholders.”

  • UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in reforming varsity education

    UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in reforming varsity education

    The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra state, has commended President Bola Tinubu on his reforms in improving varsity education in the country.

    The institution, also warns those it described as mischief makers to stop meddling into the affairs of the school, saying they are trying to cause confusion.

    The reaction came following a write up by one Matthew Ugwuadi, that the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and two other political parties are enmeshed in a battle of who to appoint the incoming vice chancellor of the school.

    However, in a statement issued on Sunday, December 31, in Awka, the former Director of Information of the institution and now, the Special Adviser to the current VC, Emma Ojukwu, described such statement as handiwork of fifth columnists.

    According to Ojukwu, “The attention of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has been drawn to an obvious fabrication and falsehood being currently circulated by fifth columnists and opportunists about the race for the vice chancellorship of unizik.

    “In this intentionally fabricated falsehood the fictitious writers concocted figments of their imagination as truth to deceive members of the public. The University would like to state as follows:

    “The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is a Federal University, funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education

    Read Also: PFN to Nigerians: forget the past, God will do a new thing in 2024

    “The procedure for who emerges the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is contained in a template clearly outlined and issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    “Based on these criteria, the Governing Council of the University and the University Senate jointly interview and appoint the most suitably qualified candidate following the Federal Government issued guidelines which are always strictly followed

    “Therefore, it is surprising that these merchants of falsehood would allege that candidates are being sponsored by political parties (the PDP and APGA) for extraneous reasons.

    “Let it be stated that it is the Federal Government through its due processes that would determine who becomes the Vice Chancellor of Unizik

    “The current Vice Chancellor Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone has performed creditably well by lifting the University to an enviable height.

    “The Vice Chancellor has no right under the existing University law to appoint a successor or even influence the outcome of this race as this is the work of the Governing Council of the University.

    “Therefore, the insinuation that the Vice Chancellor is supporting a particular candidate is untrue.

    The Vice Chancellor believes that who will succeed him as Vice Chancellor after he completes his 5 year tenure in early June 2024 is in the hands of God and he has always said publicly that the best should emerge.

    “The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka strongly condemns this treacherous attempt to drag the name of this great University to the mud by these fictitious opportunists.

    “It also condemns any further attempt to unnecessarily overheat the temperature of the University and cause anxiety among peace-loving staff and students of the University.

    “The University Management commends the Federal Government under His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR for the remarkable efforts being made to improve the lot of Universities in Nigeria especially with regard to the welfare of staff and students” Unizik wrote

  • I didn’t pay Akeredolu’s wife to become Commissioner – Obe

    I didn’t pay Akeredolu’s wife to become Commissioner – Obe

    Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, has denied allegations that he paid huge sums of money to be nominated as commissioner under late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Obe was the commissioner who raised the alarm that late Akeredolu’s signature was being forged after he said he hired forensic experts.

    A former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategies to Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, had asked Obe, in an interview, to tell the world how much was paid to Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, and son, Babajide, for him to be made a commissioner.

    Odebowale said Obe was a nobody politically until Betty and Babajide submitted his name to be made commissioner.

    Obe, in a phone chat with, said he led the battle for Akeredolu to emerge victorious in Ilara Mokin ward in Ifedore local government area in the 2020 governorship election.

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    Obe stated that Akeredolu decided to reward Ilara Mokin for the performances at the polls.

    He also denied allegations that he had quarrel with Babjide over supply of diesel in the state.

    In his reaction, Obe said Odebowale was part of the cabal that held the state budget performance down when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was acting governor.

    Obe said he joined politics as a multi-millionaire, having worked and retired in ExxonMobil.

    The commissioner said he had planned not to collect salary as a commissioner but was cautioned against such decision.

    He said Odebowale was part of the persons that benefitted from the illness of Akeredolu.

    Obe stated: “I supported Akeredolu and gave him all assistance in 2020. I followed him through the campaigns so it is not true to say I was a nobody politically. There was no need to pay the First Lady or her son for me to be made commissioner.

    “It is unfortunate that Odebowale is making this vituperations days after the passing of Akeredolu.

    “There was nothing to quarrel about between Babajide and I. I never supplied diesel to any part of the state.”

    On the issue of forgery of Akeredolu’s signature, Obe said petitions have been sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adding that the concerned persons would soon be invited.

    Obe stated that the country would be seen as a banana Republic if nobody was prosecuted and punished for forging late Akeredolu’s signature.

    He said: “Let us bury Akeredolu. The gate of justice will be opened. The political solution and the advise to unify the party as advised by Tinubu does not include forgery. Forgery of a Governor’s signature and authorisation of millions of naira are too criminal to be ignored.

    “The individual doing all the forgery must be produced. Some of us were harassed. They hated me because I punctuated their activities. It is when the new Governor open the books, you will know the extent of damage.”

  • Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s defeat in Osun

    Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s defeat in Osun

    The former governor of Osun state and erstwhile minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed lost of power of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state on refusal of his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola to follow his dictate and precepts.

    Aregbesola berated associates of Oyetola for nursing animosity against him without any reason and refusal to respect all the reconciliatory agreements sanction by President Bola Tinubu.

    The ex-minister speaking in Yoruba language at end of the year party of his faction named Omoluabi caucus held in Osogbo capital of Osun state, stated that he begged Oyetola for three years but he refused which led to his lost at the 2022 gubernatorial election.

    He said: “God spoke in Osun but people did not see what God did in Osun state. Three politicians including myself in Yoruba land, God made us to be successful. Awolowo started it, he finished his tenure and handed over to the person that he wished, the person did not do well until he lost the power. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did 8 years tenure and he handed over to the person he wished, those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wish, the party still retain power till date.

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    “The third person is myself… I was in government for 8 years, I handed over to the person I felt will do my biddings and follow my dictates but he betrayed me and the party, you can see the consequences.

    “Those that are not patient, they are saying rubbish, when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I never fight anybody in the past, I don’t know the reason why they are fighting me.

    He added: “They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. In August 26th 2021, our overall boss told us to do a meeting with his representatives in Abuja, 31 people from my group met with the representatives. They agreed that they should consider our faction in government by giving us one-third of appointment. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that will make me campaign for them for gubernatorial election, but nothing came out of it.

    “We embarked on several journeys to ensure we have a formidable house to the poll but their spokesman said on OSBC that anybody who is not invited should not come. So I have to stay away.

    “They organised several campaign of calumny against me, when things failed they started pushing blames on me for losing the election. We are here to enjoy the festive season. I can assure you that with our plans, by this time next year, you will know our next moves.”

    Earlier, Aregbesola led his caucus including ex-secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti, Ex-Speaker, Najeem Salam, ex-APC chair, Lowo Adebiyi, Ex-Information Commissioner, Lani Baderinwa and others to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun for courtesy visit.

    Oba Olanipekun speaking in Yoruba said, “Osogbo will never forget Aregbesola. The ex-governor played prominent role in enthroning the incumbent government in Osun state. I believe that Aregbesola still have more influence and power in the politics of Osun state.”

  • Tinubu to address Nigerians on New Year’s Day

    Tinubu to address Nigerians on New Year’s Day

    President Bola Tinubu will tomorrow, Monday, January 1, speak to Nigerians in his New Year day broadcast.

    A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu will broadcasting from 7am on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

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    The statement, however, advised other broadcast and other electronic media houses to link up with NTA and FRCN for coverage.

    The statement readd: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a New Year’s Day broadcast to the nation on Monday, January 1, 2024, at 7 am.

    “Television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigeria Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.”

  • JUST IN: Police begin demolition of Lagos POWA complex 

    JUST IN: Police begin demolition of Lagos POWA complex 

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) early Sunday, December 31, began the planned demolition of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) shopping complex, situated in Ikeja area of Lagos. 

    The Nation learnt four excavators had arrived at the shopping complex by midnight with heavily armed police officers.

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    Police authorities had said the planned demolition was in good faith and for the interest of all concerned.

    The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday had said it has become imperative to properly establish that the complex, a property of POWA, which was officially allocated to wives of police officers and their relatives, has been scheduled for demolition.

    According to him, the demolition is to enable the police to commence immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.