The Nation Newspaper

Tag: law abiding

  • Govt: herdsmen must be law-abiding in Ogun

    Govt: herdsmen must be law-abiding in Ogun

    THE Ogun State government yesterday said people, including herdsmen, are free to enter the state provided they remain law-abiding.

    The government directed local government areas where herdsmen and farmers have clashed to take a census of residents and visitors.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Taiwo Adeoluwa addressed reporters after the security council meeting at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, the capital.

    The government warned that it will invoke the anti-land-grabbing law to curtail the menace of herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, which it said had hit Yewa North Local Government Area.

    According to the SSG, the government will strengthen its conflict resolution committee,  established in 2012, to make it achieve more success.

    Adeoluwa said the government and security agencies would take a closer look at the activities of trans-border pastorialists who he blamed for most attacks in the state.

    He said: “All Nigerians would be welcome in Ogun State, but there are laws and rules that every stakeholder, every visitor, every herdsman, every farmer must comply with.

    “The one that is very key in the packs of local laws is what we call the Land Grabber Law, but the correct title is Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Land and Other Properties Law.

    “The council also took note that this law already provides for most of the contemporary challenges that confront us today as far as herdsmen, settlers and farmers are concerned.

    “Council reaffirmed government determination to continue to fully implement this law, which already prohibits forcible entry on lands.

    “Council decided that for us in Ogun State, we want everybody from all parts of the country and even outside but we will continue to insist that our laws be respected and obeyed.

    “Our existing conflict resolution committee is a standing committee that has been put in place since 2012 when the crisis first arose and we’ve decided to further strengthen the committee.

    “Council looked at the sister-issue of Boko Haram because as they are rooting them out of that place (Northeast), they are going to all other areas for refuge. Ogun State is not exempted from the collateral damage of the success in the Northeast.”

     

     

  • Be law abiding, monarch tells Lagosians

    Be law abiding, monarch tells Lagosians

    A monarch has enjoined the public not to take the laws on its hands but to allow the government to fight in justice and resolve dispute to enthrone peace in Lagos State.
    The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, spoke at his palace, when the Public Advice Centre of the Ministry of Justice visited him.
    The visit was to make the activities of PAC known to Ikorodu people. PAC provides free and independent information as well as legal service to Lagosians, among others.
    Oba Shotobi said would ensure that the rights of the less privileged are not violated.
    The initiative, he added, is a back up for traditional rulers, who are the closest to the grass roots.
    Oba Alaiyeluwa, Oba Abdul Akeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egba Land, said PAC would help people to know where to go when on trouble.
    “PAC is a centre where dispute will be settled without going to court or involving the police,” he said.
    PAC Director, Mrs Tola Akinsanya, said the centre is aimed at ensuring peaceful co-existence in the state.
    According to her, PAC services are free in line with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s promise to bring succour to the people.
    PAC, she added, serves as the first port of call for the public when in distress and to those seeking information on their legal rights and responsibilities.
    “PAC serves as an interface and provides information and legal advice to members of the public dealing with agencies of government, human rights, desks, state welfare department and other justice sector institutions.”
    “PAC also seeks to ensure that residents are not only aware of the governmental and non governmental provisions available to them for the protection of their rights, but it also gives the necessary assistance.
    “We proffer advice and information that residents need for the problem they face, which will educate the citizens and impact their lives positively. We also respond to issues through the right channels to ensure cohesion of activities of government and its agencies. We improve he policies and practices that affect the lives of residents,” she said.

  • Fed Govt to Nigerians: be law-abiding

    Fed Govt to Nigerians: be law-abiding

    THE Federal Government has advised the citizens to  be law-abiding before, during and after the festive season.

    This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Bassey Okon Akpanyung.

    The statement said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would respect and uphold the rights of citizens as enshrined in  the Constitution.

    “Incorporated in these rights is the ‘freedom from fear’, which every citizen must enjoy. It is within this purview that it becomes necessary to emphasise that the government will ensure that the lives and properties of persons, groups or organisations are protected.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government will continue to protect citizens’ rights to assemble freely and associate with other persons without hindrance; protect the freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and protect the freedom of expression,” it stated.

    The ministry, however, said every citizen was under obligation to recognise and respect the rights of his or her fellow citizens, especially on matters regarding public order, safety and security.

    It warned: “No serious government will fold its arms to allow the security breach of the kind, which threatens the peaceful coexistence and sovereignty of its society.

    “It is, therefore, imperative to remind ourselves that as long as demonstrations or processions are peaceful and do not infringe on the rights of others, the government will direct security agencies to protect the individuals or groups involved in such demonstrations or processions.

    “Democracy has provided vehicles through which citizens can convey their grievances without resorting to violence, and in our particular case, there are state governments and their assemblies; representatives and senators of the National Assembly; and the judiciary.

    “It is expected that persons with grievances take advantage of using these opportunities, instead of resorting to violence.”

    The ministry said the country’s experience with separatist groups, such as Biafra movements and Boko Haram in the last few years, depicted individuals or groups taking laws into their hands, “situations that sometimes led to violent clashes with security agencies.”

     It added that it was important for the citizenry to be law-abiding, even while expressing their grievances.

    “As a result of increased movements and activities during the end of year and beginning of a new season, the Ministry of Interior has coordinated with security agencies under its supervision, and other security agencies, to ensure that the safety and security of law-abiding citizens are guaranteed in line with our constitutional responsibilities.

    “We are drawing the attention of Nigerians, especially in this Yuletide season, of the necessity to keep their eyes and ears open, and report suspicious activities or persons, especially in motor-parks, airports, mosques and churches, markets and other public places,” it said.

  • Speaker to Lagosians: be law-abiding

    Speaker to Lagosians: be law-abiding

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has urged Lagosians to be patient with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on various issues affecting the state.

    Obasa said the state government has already set out to address those issues.

    Represented by Hon AbdulHakeem Shokunle of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I at the inauguration of Nasrul-li-Fatih society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Ajasa Command Branch, Ayobo, Lagos, Obasa said the assembly will not waiver in backing Governor Ambode with necessary legislation to move the state forward.

    Lagosians on their own part, he said, should be law abiding and eschew criminal activities.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said Ambode’s administration is ready to tackle criminal actions through provision of infrastructure and job creation.

    AbdulLateef, the guest speaker, said security is not all about policing, rather creating a conducive atmosphere for masses to earn a decent livelihood. Once majority of the population are gainfully employed, crimes will reduce drastically. He warned fellow office holders against short-changing the masses, reminding them of Day of Accountability.

    According to him, the gladiators for the Kogi government house have forgotten so soon that the man elected on November 21 to occupy the state’s number one seat is no more.

    “We are all going to join Abubakar Audu one day. If Audu knew the date of his death, perhaps he would not went through the stress of electioneering campaigns. Politicians must know that it is Allah only that gives position to who He wishes. They should fear Allah and be fair with the masses,” he said.

    The branch’s chairman Alhaji Nurudeen Ajala appealed to government to provide good roads and health system for the community.

  • ‘Igbo in Mushin will be law-abiding’

    The Eze Ndigbo of Mushin, Chief Peter Umeh, has said Igbos in the council area will remain law-abiding.

    He spoke when he visited the Executive Secretary of Mushin local government area, Jide Bello.

    A statement by the council’s Information Officer, Akinyemi Olusegun, quoted Bello as saying that Igbos were always welcome in Mushin.

    “Mushin is a home for all-the Igbos, Hausas, Ijaws, Tivs and others tribes. We have inter-married, belong to the same political parties, same social groups, cultural groups and other connections,” Bello said.

    He urged Umeh to encourage Igbos living in Mushin to be law abiding and begin to see issues objectively rather than spread rumour of tribal sentiments

    “Mushin council was home to Igbos even before the Western region was created. We have always lived and done our trading here peacefully from time immemorial,” the council chair said.

    Umeh said Igbos, especially traders, will continue to cooperate with the council.

    His words: “We are here to assure you that we the Igbos living in Mushin identify with and support your administration.

    “We voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the instructions of some of our elders. Having taken this risk, we deserve assurance of safety and a place in this government.

    “Initially, we were apprehensive when the issue of demolition of shops at Ladipo market was raised, but on careful analysis, it became crystal clear to us that it was a decision borne out of necessity and not ethnic cleansing.

    “We commend you for the wisdom to undergo extensive dialogue and consultations. This is indeed a dividend of democracy in our land during our time.”

     

     

     

  • VC urges students to be law-abiding

    Vice–Chancellor  (VC) the Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof Saburi Adesanya, has urged freshers to work hard and comply with the rules.

    He spoke during the orientation  for the new students held at the Lecture Theatre II last Tuesday.

    Adesanya advised the students to shun acts that could tarnish the school’s image, adding that hooliganism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and prostitution would not be tolerated.

    The institution, he said, only recognises clubs registered by the Students’ Affairs Unit.

    Adesanya said the National Universities Commission (NUC), in its January rating, listed its school as the 17th against the previous 35th position.

    The NUC rating, he said, showed OOU is the best state university in the country.

    The VC said the university’s non-residential status had changed, adding that hostels were being built to accommodate more students.

    The Pro-chancellor and chairman of Council, Dr Segun Oshin, charged the students to be dedicated and committed to their studies. He said they must make the best of the opportunity, reiterating the council’s commitment to infrastructure development.

    The lecture was attended by principal officers, including the Deputy VC, Prof Sule Odu, and Acting Registrar Omolara Osunsanya, among others.

  • Be law-abiding, provost advises freshers

    The Provost Federal College of Education (FCE) in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Prof Ben Mbah, has urged freshers admitted by the institution to be disciplined and law-abiding. He spoke during the college’s matriculation  where with 1,200 students the oath.

    The provost said that the college expected the students to behave responsibly, urging them not to abuse freedom they enjoy to infringe on the rights of their colleagues and members of the college community.

    He said: “I advise you to give attention to your study; this will earn you good grades. If you have any challenges, don’t hesitate to share them with your lecturer or Heads of Departments, so that they will help you find solution to them.”

    The provost warned the freshers not to join groups of unserious students, who only have interest in fashion and parties. He told them to justify their parents’ investment by rejecting such groups.

    He also warned against malpractice, saying: “At the end of three years, you are expected to pass all prescribed courses for you to be qualified to be awarded National Certificate of Education (NCE). The college has zero tolerance for examination malpractice.”

    Mbah spoke the management’s plan to improve facilities, noting that the school had invested in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance quality teaching and learning.

    Some of the freshers spoke to CAMPUSLIFE. Precious Ogechukwu, students of Department of English and Social Science, and Samson Abaji in the Department Physical Education, said they were happy to be part of the freshers, promising to focus on their studies.

    The ceremony was attended by parents, guardians and friends of the students.

  • Aspirant call on supporters to be law abiding

    Aspirant call on supporters to be law abiding

    The  Special Assistance (SA) to Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, Aliyu Mohammed Sambo,   has  picked his nomination form at the party secretariat to contest  for the Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Kalgo Federal constituency.

    Sambo  said his vision is to give a befitting representation and service to his people at the National Assembly which he described as the centre stage for National politics in the country.

    He added that he promised  to accomplish his intention through a robust constituency outreach programme that will articulate the yearning and the expectation of his constituency.

    The aspirant also promised to adequately represent his people to the effect that there will be the presence of Federal project  in his constituency and the state in general.

    He therefore called on delegate to the primaries to turn out en mass to vote for his promising and viable vision for the state in order to uplift the constituency.

    “I will also wish to call on all my sopporters to be peaceful, orderly and law abiding through out the electioneering process,” he concluded.