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Tag: Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Your Excellency,

    Permit me to humbly reach out through this open letter, as it appears the most direct and effective means of communication in these times. I do so with deep respect and unwavering commitment to the ideals of service and patriotism that you so passionately uphold.

    I am one of the many loyal foot soldiers who worked tirelessly during the last general elections to ensure victory for our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), across multiple levels. I served as Director of Campaigns both at the local level in Ado-Odo/Ota and at the senatorial level in Ogun West. I also had the honour of leading the advance team for the Governor during the campaign period.

    Sir,I had earlier written to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved affirmation by the Supreme Court. That landmark judgment not only reaffirmed the mandate freely given to you by the Nigerian people but also reinforced our collective confidence in your vision to lead our great nation through 2027 — and, by the grace of God, potentially until 2031.

    In that same letter, I respectfully noted that the people of Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency remain steadfastly loyal to your leadership — a loyalty that was clearly reflected in the outcome of the 2023 general elections, which you won convincingly. I also pointed out that, despite our unwavering support, we are yet to be considered for a federal appointment.

    Once again, I write to respectfully bring this matter to your attention. It is both urgent and deeply symbolic.

    The people of Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency — proudly the ancestral home of the Awori people — played a pivotal role in the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Election. Our performance was not only exceptional within Ogun State, but also stood out among 137 local governments across the entire South-West geopolitical zone.

    To illustrate this, allow me to share the electoral performance figures:

    Top Results from the 137 local governments in the South-West in the 2023 Presidential Election

    RankLocal GovernmentStateVotes for APC
      1AlimoshoLagos71,326
    2Amuwo-OdofinLagos55,547
    3Oshodi-IsoloLagos51,020
    4IkoroduLagos50,353
    5Ado-Odo/OtaOgun46,558
    6Akure SouthOndo45,694
    7Ado-EkitiEkiti28,751
    8OsogboOsun27,474
    9Ibadan NorthOyo28,416

    While Ado-Odo/Ota came fifth overall in votes cast for the APC, it is important to note that the four LGAs ahead of us—though with marginally higher numbers—were won by opposition parties. This distinction makes Ado-Odo/Ota the number one performing APC local government across the entire South-West. Such a monumental achievement deserves recognition and federal inclusion.

    Regrettably, despite our contributions and unwavering loyalty, our Federal Constituency  and local government has yet to receive any form of federal appointment—no Special Advisers, no Board Chairmen, no Directors-General, not even Senior or Special Assistants to the President.

    Your Excellency, this is disheartening for a community that gave so much and asked for so little. As the Yoruba adage goes: “Omo eleran ko gbodo je eegun”, meaning “the child of a meat seller should not be left to gnaw on bones.” We, the people of Ado-Odo/Ota, humbly seek what is due to us—not as a favour, but as a recognition of merit and loyalty.

    With a current registered voter strength of over 400,000, Ado-Odo/Ota holds significant strategic electoral importance. If properly mobilized and engaged through federal presence and appointments, this local government alone has the potential to deliver over 100,000 votes in future elections.

    In view of the above, we respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to consider qualified sons and daughters of Ado-Odo/Ota for federal appointments in your administration. We believe this will not only honour our contributions but will also serve as a motivation for continued grassroots support for your Renewed Hope Agenda.

    May the Almighty God continue to strengthen you with wisdom and good health as you lead our great nation to greater heights.

    God bless the President.
    God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Respectfully,
    Hon. Olusegun Ojolowo-Ojuko
    Former SSA on Housing to His Excellency,
    Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR (Governor, Ogun State)

  • Independent candidacy bill scales second reading

    Independent candidacy bill scales second reading

    A bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to provide for independent candidacy in the country on Wednesday scaled second reading in the House of Representatives

    The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.

    The lawmaker, who represents the Ekiti North 1 (lkole/Oye) Federal Constituency, said the Bill aims to expand Nigeria’s democratic space.

    “This crucial legislation, which is a legacy bill from previous assemblies, was reintroduced for consideration following its first reading on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

    “Today, the bill was recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.

    “This recommittal, serving as the second reading, followed a motion moved by Rep. Isah Bello Ambarura (APC, Sokoto), Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, and seconded by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Rep. Rotimi Jr. expressed his pride in advancing the bill, emphasising the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy.

    “This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity,” he said.

    The bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order One, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senate passes Bill on Independent candidacy

    As the bill proceeds to the next stage of legislative scrutiny, Rep. Rotimi remains optimistic that its eventual passage will mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ElectHER, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode, while briefing reporters on the bill, described the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill as a critical and progressive milestone.

    She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusivity.

    Ms. Faborode also noted that the bill’s progress in the 10th Assembly marks a defining moment for Nigeria, with the potential to significantly shape the future of its democracy.

    She reaffirmed ElectHER’s continued partnership with Rep. Akintunde’s office to champion public advocacy and engagement towards the final passage of the bill.

  • Senate set to override Buhari’s veto on two bills

    The Senate on Wednesday resolved to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto on two bills passed by the National Assembly.

    The upper chamber also agreed to reconsider and pass 15 other bills rejected by President Buhari.

    The resolution to override the president’s veto on the bills and reconsider 15 others was unanimously adopted on the floor of the Senate.

    The two affected bills are: the “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration No. 28,) Bill, 2018” and “the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

    The Forth Alteration No. 28 Bill, a constitution amendment, seeks to provide for the time within which the President or Governor shall lay the Appropriation Bill before the National or State Assembly.

    The Bill also seeks to encourage early presentation and passage of Appropriation Bills.

    Read Also: Senate okays N1.64tr borrowing plan

    President Buhari declined assent to the bill on the grounds that it did not take cognizance of the provisions of Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    The Industrial Development Amendment Bill, 2018, on the other hand, aimed to enable companies that expand their operations in pioneer industry or product to apply for a new pioneer status.

    Records showed that President Buhari declined assent to the Bill on the ground that ongoing inter-ministerial consultations would be affected if the Bill is signed into law.

    It was learnt that since the inauguration of the Eight National Assembly, President Buhari has vetoed more than 36 bills passed by the National Assembly.

    The President has vetoed over 15 bills passed by the National Assembly this year alone.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru, whose committee considered the rejected Bills, presented the report of the committee.

    Umaru said that the 1999 Constitution, (as amended), gives the Senate the right to override the President in the event that a Bill is vetoed.

    The Niger East Senator quoted Section 60 of the Constitution and Rule 88 of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to back the position that the Senate is constitutionally empowered to override the President in the event the a Bill is vetoed.

    He said: “Therefore, the Bills having been rejected by Mr. President, the National Assembly even if it considers Mr. President’s observations or not, must pass the Bills again and be assented to by Mr. President or override the veto, in which case, Mr. President’s assent would not be required.”

  • Osinbajo heads Policies, Programmes, Projects audit committee

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the constitution of the Policies, Programmes and Projects Audit Committee.

    Chairman of the committee is the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo.

    Members of the committee, according to a statement by Olusegun Adekunle,

    Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), are Chief of Staff to the President, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister of Finance.

    Others are Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Hon. Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development.

    Also in the committee are Minister of Water Resources, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Security Adviser, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President is a member and secretary of the committee.

    Read also: FG constitutes 2019 Presidential Inauguration Committee

    The Terms of Reference include “To audit and determine the status of implementation of policies, programmes and projects either inherited or commenced by the out-going Administration;

    “Identify and highlight a residue of works and challenges that may militate against their successful implementation;

    “Prepare and produce a detailed working document that would guide the incoming Cabinet Members on the direction of Government regarding policies, programmes and projects;

    “Co-opt any organization(s)/person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the exercise; and

    “Make any other recommendation(s) as may be necessary.”

    The date of Inauguration of the committee is Friday 15th March 2019 at the Vice President’s Conference Room.

  • Nigeria backs full chemical disarmament 

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed support for full chemical disarmament globally.

    This was contained in the statement delivered at the Fourth Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to Review the Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention holding in The Hague, Netherlands between 21-30 November, 2018.

    It was delivered by Mr. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary/Head, National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions, Abuja.

    He said: “At this occasion of the Fourth Review Conference, I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s full commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and our unflinching support to the OPCW in its mandate to implement fully, the provisions of the Convention, particularly the completion of global destruction of chemical weapons, prevention of their re-emergence, promotion of effective management and peaceful uses of chemistry, as well as promotion of economic and technological development of all states parties.

    “Nigeria attaches great importance to the efforts towards global disarmament, especially chemical disarmament. We reaffirm that full, global implementation of the CWC will contribute greatly to international peace and security.

    “The verified destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities, including old and abandoned chemical weapons, are core objectives of the Convention.

    “Nigeria therefore, calls on concerned states parties and the Secretariat to redouble efforts towards complete destruction of all chemical weapons within the shortest possible time.

    “In this regard, we commend the Russian Federation, Libya, Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic for the completion of destruction of their declared chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities, as announced by the Technical Secretariat since the Third Review Conference.

    “We urge good faith dialogue and cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Technical Secretariat, to clarify all outstanding issues related to the initial declaration of that State Party,” he said.

    According to him, Nigeria also congratulated the five (5) states that joined the Convention since

    the Third Review Conference – the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of Angola and the State of Palestine.

    “We believe that the object and purpose of the CWC cannot be fully realised until Universality is achieved. In that connection, Nigeria calls on the remaining states not party to the CWC to accede to the Convention without preconditions or delay.

    “We commend also, the Technical Secretariat for its efforts on Universality, within the framework of the CWC Action Plan. The goal can be better achieved with sustained efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders, thus, Nigeria urges all states parties to consider utilising their bilateral reach to influence the remaining four (4) states not yet party to the convention to quickly do so,” he added.

    Since acceding to the CWC in 1999, he said, that Nigeria has remained committed to full implementation of the Convention.

    “As we have never been a possessor state, our implementation efforts have focused on adequate monitoring, management and control of storage, trade, and transfer of scheduled chemicals. Since the Third Review Conference, Nigeria has greatly increased sensitisation of stakeholders in the chemical industry, many times via OPCW training programmes.

    “We have also, a comprehensive legislation currently in its final stages before parliament, awaiting passage into law, hopefully before the end of the legislative year 2018. In the pursuit of all these, Nigerian officials took part in the Influential Visitors Programme in 2017 at the OPCW headquarters. Nigerian National Authority are in partnership with the National Authority of the United Kingdom under the Mentorship Programme, which has seen two bilateral visits and is yielding positive results.

    “Nigeria recently partnered with the OPCW to host a “Pilot Workshop on Implementing Legislation on the Chemical Weapons Convention in Addressing Threats Arising from Non-State Actors” from 16 – 18 October 2018 in Abuja, the Federal Capital City of Nigeria, for the ECOWAS sub-Region. The 3 days’ workshop had twelve countries in attendance and it was adjudged a huge success by participants.

    “We commend the Technical Secretariat for the initiation of these programmes and urge continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure their sustainable impact. We express also, our full support for the proposal of the Director General towards national implementation assessment support.”

    He also disclosed that Nigeria attaches high priority to Article X of the CWC, which provides for assistance and protection to victims of Chemical Weapons.

    “In this regard, we commend the Technical Secretariat for various initiatives, such as the Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM) aimed at developing a state of readiness, in response to a State Party which may require assistance for victims of chemical incident. We re-echo the call of the Director-General for voluntary contributions of funds and logistics for the effective functioning of this Mission.”

     

     

  • Aisha Buhari to politicians:  Operate within guidelines of the Constitution

    The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has asked politicians to operate within the guidelines of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    She spoke while receiving a delegation of female politicians who paid her a courtesy call led by the newly elected National Women leader of All Progressive Congress (APC), Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Read Also:Police arraign woman for impersonating as Aisha Buhari

    Mrs Buhari congratulated the women leader on her success and appealed to her that those who lost the election should be carried along in the scheme of things so as to present a strong united front as the elections draw nearer.

    Aisha Buhari asked the female politicians to sustain the tempo and continue to support the government whilst not forgetting to make sure the 35% affirmative action for women is implemented; she also asked that nepotism be rejected in his totality.

    She further used the opportunity to urge more women to join politics and take over as many political offices as possible stating that women make the larger part of voters and as such determine the outcome of elections

    Earlier the  newly elected women leader had pledged that there would be an all-inclusive platform with the tag no “woman left behind” this would involve gender advocacy, training and workshops to enlighten women on their roles in democracy, influencing legislations in favour of women’s rights, apart from setting up a sustainable agenda that would create an enabling a friendly environment for the advancement and empowerment of women and encouraging and supporting the active participation of all stakeholders in issues that have direct bearing on women.

    Southwest women leader Mrs. Kemi Nelson who spoke on behalf of women leaders in the zone reassured Her Excellency that they would work to support the new women leader.

    Highlights of the meeting was the introduction of some young female politicians to the president’s wife, led by an aspirant Zainab Marwa, who assured her of the loyalty and ability of the young women to join hands to move the party forward and the decoration of Mrs Marwa with the new APC aso oke and Ankara print by Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma

  • Buhari, APC senators to meet Wednesday night 

    President Muhammadu Buhari will Wednesday tonight meet with All Progressives Congress (APC) senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Read Also:Buhari, Benin President meet in Aso Rock

    The meeting scheduled for the First Lady Conference room, is expected to start by 9.p.m Wednesday.

    Fourteen senators had on Tuesday decamped from APC to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

  • Senate moves to unbundle Police

    …Bill scale first reading

     

    The Senate Thursday took steps to unbundle the Police as a Bill aimed at amending Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, (as amended), which deals with the Force establishment, scaled first reading.

    The Bill was listed against the name of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is also chairman, Senate ad-hoc committee on review of the constitution.

    The proposed constitutional amendment is entitled: “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (SB.694) First Reading.

    After the adoption of the first reading of the Bill, Ekweremadu explained: “The Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has fulfilled its mandate. Now the Bill has been taken for the first time. I am sure that as soon as possible, we will take the Second Reading and probably send it to public hearing through the committee so that we fast-track it as directed by the Senate.”

    The plan to amend the Section 214 of the Constitution to accommodate the creation of State Police and Community policing was proposed last week by Ekweremadu.

    The amendment is essentially aimed at creating state and community police to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police.

    It is generally believed that the Police as presently constituted have proven to be ineffective, especially in the face of daunting security challenges in parts of the country.

    Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos State) formally moved the motion last week, when the Senate considered a motion on recent killings in Plateau and other states.

    The Constitution Review Committee was mandated to submit a copy of the bill within two weeks.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki promised that the bill will be given speedy consideration to enable President Muhammadu Buhari assent it before the expiration of the administration.

    Findings showed that the Bill seeks to establish The Federal Police and State Police, while also creating the National Police Service Commission, National Police Council and State Police Service Commission for the states.

    The Federal Police, according to the Bill, shall “be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property throughout the federation”, and “provide state policing for any state that is unable to operate a State Police until such a time that a State Police is established by the House of Assembly of that state”.

    The Bill proposes the appointment of the Commissioner of Police of a state by the governor on the advice of the National Police Service Commission and subject to confirmation of the House of Assembly, while the term of office of the Commissioner of Police shall be for a period of five years only or until he attains a retirement age prescribed by law, whichever is earlier.

    “The governor or such other Commissioner of the Government of the State as he may authorise in that behalf may give to the Commissioner of Police such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, and the Commissioner of Police shall comply with those directions or cause them to be complied with.

    “Provided that where the Commissioner of Police feels that any order given under this subsection is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards or practice, he may request that the matter be referred to the State Police Service Commission for review and the decision of the State Police Service Commission shall be final, the Bill proposes.

    Also, whereas a Commissioner of Police of a state may be removed on the grounds of misconduct, serious breach of policing standards, conviction by a court of law or tribunal, indictment by a judicial body or tribunal for corruption, participation in political activities, among others, such removal must be approved by two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly.

    It goes on to propose that an “Act of the National Assembly may prescribe a bi-annual certification review of the activities of State Police by the National Police Service Commission to ensure they meet up with approved national standards and guidelines of policing and their operations do not undermine national integrity, promote ethnic, tribal or sectional agenda or marginalise any segment of the society within the state”.

    Also, the National Police Service Commission shall comprise representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, Public Complaints Commission, Labour, Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Attorney-General of each state, in addition to six retired police officers not below the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police as well as Chairman to be confirmed by the Senate.

    In the same vein, the State Police Service Commission shall comprise a representative of the Federal Government appointed by the National Police Service Commission, two members to be appointed by the National Human Rights Commission who must be indigenes of the respective states, a representative of the Public Complaints Commission, one representative of the Labour appointed by the Chairman of the state chapter, a representative of the NBA, and a representative of the NUJ. Others are three retired police officers to be appointed by the Governor from each senatorial district and the Commission Chairman whom must all be confirmed by the State House of Assembly.

    The Bill further provides that the State Police Service Commission shall be responsible for, among others, recommending the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Assistant Commissioner of Police to the National Police Service Commission in addition to appointment, discipline, and removal of members of the state police below the rank of the Assistant Commissioner of Police.

    The National Police Service Commission, on the other hand, shall be responsible for the appointment of persons to offices (other than the office of the Inspector-General of Police) in the Federal Police Service; and exercising disciplinary control over members of the Federal Police; recommending to the Governor of a State the appointment of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioners of Police of State Police.

    It will also be responsible for recommending to the governor the discipline and removal of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioner of Police of State Police as well as supervising the activities of Federal and State Police and prescribing standards for all police forces in the country in training, criminal intelligence data bases, forensic laboratories and render assistance to the State Police in areas as may be requested by such State Police.

  • 2019: Kano solid for Buhari – Ganduje

    Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State  said on Friday that the chances of President Muhammadu Buhari in next year’s elections remain formidable as they have always been over the years.

    Ganduje told former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu who visited him in Government House,Kano that Buhari has “ never lost election in Kano, even when he was in the opposition.”

    “At one time, we were in government, and he was in the opposition, and Buhari won his election here in Kano. Since he started politics in Nigeria, he has not lost election in Kano,” Gnaduje said.

    “So, this time around, his chances are much higher because before he was in one party and the state government was in another party. But this time around, he is the Mr. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under APC and I am the governor of Kano state and I am in APC.

    Read Also: Emir of Kano hails Ganduje

    “So, you can see all the variables that can make him win election are rightly placed here in Kano. So, we know there is no vacancy for any presidential candidate in the Villa except Buhari.

    “For your information, it was here in when Buhari came for a two-day state visit where we were holding a meeting of stakeholders and we told him that we will take him to court if he decided not to contest election. And luckily enough, he escaped our litigation. He succumbed to our request and our pledge and he accepted to contest election.

    “So, a state that offered that kind of threat and he accepted to contest election is a Buhari state. Secondly, Kano state has the highest number of delegates. We have over 400 delegates for the convention and any primary, so, you can see that Kano is a minimum of three states together.

    “So, you can see how important we are. Luckily enough, Buhari is Kano and Kano is Buhari. I think that is the political language here.”

    Kalu claimed those opposing Buhari’s re-election  want Nigeria to return to pre-2015  when treasury looting became the norm.

    “They don’t want us to save money for the poor people. There cannot be Christmas and Sallah every day. We don’t have Sallah every day. They have looted enough; they should allow the masses to benefit,” he said.

    “So, this is why we are here. We will continue to ask you (Ganduje) not to leave President Buhari. He is our President and we are going for four plus four equals to eight. And also for you, four plus four is equal to eight.”

     

  • Police warns Saraki against interfering with investigation

    The Police Wednesday expressed shock over the allegation made by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki that the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ibrahim Idris is plotting against him.

    The Police said the claim was an attempt to divert the Police investigation into the killings of more than 11 innocent people from kwara State and other States of the Federation by the killer squad who operate under the guise of a cult group.

    The Police also warned Saraki not to interfere with investigation noting that attempt to do so is an offence.

    The Police while trying to defend its action of transferring the case highlighted some cases that were transferred from State commands to the Force headquarters.

    Read Also:Senate Vs IGP: Police Chief’s Attitude disrespects Nigerians, Democracy – PFN

    It also explained that the transfer was in accordance with Police investigation procedures adding that the IGP had no vested interest in the case.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to Press Statement credited to the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki of  “Plot against him by IGP”.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is shocked at the unbelievable claims, unverifiable allegations and unfounded accusations being peddled against the IGP by the Senate President, accusing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris of plot and strategies against him to settle scores.

    “The Force therefore wishes to categorically state that, there is no iota of truth in the allegation and false assertion by the Senate President of plot against him by the IGP to implicate the Kwara State Government and the Senate President in any criminal matter.

    “Until investigation is concluded, any person (s) or group(s) who tries to interfere in the investigation process by action or utterances is committing an offence.”

    Giving more insight about the suspects mentioned by the Senate President, the police said:  “To set the records straight, the Kwara State Police Command on the 11th of May, 2018, paraded the following suspects before the Media and the Public, namely;

    Abolaji Safti Ojulari of Kankatu area, Ilorin,  Lanre  Mohammed Soliu a.k.a Askari of Ile Nda Compound, Ilorin, Azeez Moyaki of Moyaki Compound, Gambari Area Ilorin,  Suleiman Babatunde of Gambari Area, Ilorin,  Yusuf Habeeb of Kangile Village, Kulende, Ilorin and Umar Yahaya of Kangile Village, Kulende,  Ilorin.

    “The suspects admitted and confessed before the press and the public to have killed 11 innocent persons in kwara State and other States of the country.”

    The Police said the suspects confessed to have killed their targets on the instructions of their sponsors.

    Names of some of the victims who were killed in cold blood according to the Police are; “Bukola Ajikobi killed on 18/01/2016 at ajikobi Area in Ilorin,  Azeez Lawal killed in February, 2018 at Oja oba area of Ilorin,  Lateef (Surname unknown) killed February, 2018 at Ode Alfa Nda area of Ilorin,  Jamiu (Surname unknown) killed in February 2018 at Idi ape area, Ilorin and One segun (Surname unknown) killed in September, 2017 at kankatu area of Ilorin.

    Others are: “Wasiu (Surname unknown) killed in September 29, 2016 at Shao garage of Ilorin,  Musiliu (Surname unknown) killed in February, 2018 at Shao Area Ilorin,  Bayo Ajia killed in January 18, 2018 at taiwo Road, Ilorin, Another Lateef killed in January 2016 at Baboko Area of Ilorin,  Abbey a student of Kwara Polytechnic killed in April, 2017 at Niger Road, Ilorin and Lanre (Surname unknown) killed on 23rd August, 2015 at Isale Aluko Area of Ilorin.”

    On why the case was transferred to the Force Headquarters, Moshood said: “Consequent upon the public confessions of these vicious and notorious killer squad to the killings in cold blood of more than 11 innocent people in Kwara State and other States of the Federation, the statutory procedure and practice in the Force is that such a heinous crime and capital offence is transferred to the Force Headquarters for further investigation.

    “This is to enable a thorough and discreet investigation into the crime.”

    On whether the IGP has any special interest in the case, the statement stated: “It is pertinent to state that, there is no vested interest by the Inspector General of Police in the ongoing investigation into the several murders committed by this killer gang, other than ensuring that justice prevails in the matter.

    “Nobody, no matter how highly placed would be allowed to interfere or obstruct Police investigation to pervert the course of justice.”

    On some of the cases transferred to Abuja, Moshood said: “It is also imperative to let the public know that last year, suspects arrested over the mayhem and killings of innocent people in Ile-Ife, Osun State and those arrested in Southern Kaduna crisis in Kaduna State and suspects arrested in connection with Zaki-biam killings in Benue State were all transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation before they were arraigned in court of competent jurisdiction.

    “Therefore, transferring this hired assassin gang masquerading as cultists in kwara State to Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation is in accordance with Police investigation procedures.”

    The Police said the statement credited to the Senate President can discourage living victims and deceased families of those who must have been killed by the gang from coming forward to give evidence against them.

    The Police urged members of the public to disregard and the claim of plot by the IGP against the Senate President as a ruse, unfortunate and an attempt to divert Police investigation into the killings of more than 11 innocent people.

    The Force also said it will leave no stone unturned and will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure justice in the matter, no matter whose ox is gored.