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Tag: Rilwanu Akiolu

  • Akiolu urges CP on security

    Akiolu urges CP on security

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu has urged the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, to prioritise the security of lives and properties.

    The monarch gave the advice when he received the police chief at his palace.

    Jimoh had paid Akiolu, a retired Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, also assure the monarch of his readiness to provide effective policing to the residents.

    The monarch expressed delight, especially after being reminded he was the one who recruited Jimoh into the police while he was the AIG in Lokoja.

     Akiolu said as a father, he was happy each time he saw his children progressing.

    “I must be frank and tell you in plain language that I’m very happy that we are here today. You have two things that are unique. You said I recruited you in Lokoja when I was the AIG.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    “A father is always happy when he sees his son progressing.  I am indeed happy with the way you presented your speech and you added something which makes me extremely happy. You said, by the grace of God, that shows clearly that you are out for something good.

    “I am happy that you are in Lagos. The first one week you arrived in Lagos here, I swear before God and man, I have noticed some changes. But I will still give you time to come and see me. I will advise you on certain things…” he said.

    The  monarch gave some operational suggestions to the police chief, especially on Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), reminding him of the elements of policing-speed, surprise, and secrets.

    He said he had put words across to the political leaders for more support to the police.

     particularly with respect to the type of operational vehicles the service needed to deliver its assigned duties.

    “The way the police job is moving, we all need to put all hands on deck. Now that, by the grace of Almighty Allah, we have an able, willing, and progressive government at the top. And I’ve requested that he should, please, assist the police.  I personally have said I am going to discuss with the IG on Lagos state. The type of operational vehicles we are using now needs improvement…”

    Earlier, CP Jimoh assured the monarch that he was in Lagos to ensure safety and security for all residents, adding that the IGP directed an over 30 percent improvement of security.

    “Lagos is not only the commercial hub of Nigeria, it is equally the Centre of Excellence and as the leader of the police command, I want to assure you that we are going to key into the security framework that has already been established in Lagos State.

    “I want to equally assure you, His Royal Majesty, that you will not find by the Grace of God any reason to complain about our activities. The officers and men of the command have equally been advised to ensure that we work in tandem. We are always there to ensure that we implement the directives and orders that are expected of us.

    “Your Royal majesty, I want to let you know that you know more than us in this policing. You have the responsibility of not only enforcing the law, but enforcing the traditions, which are for the good and well-being of the people of your domain. By this, I want to close by saying that, your Royal Majesty, I’m your son and all of us are your children so please accept us…” Jimoh said.

  • Mosque offers prayers for Akiolu

    The Lagos State Central Mosque has offered prayers for Oba Rilwanu Akiolu’s victory in court.

    An Ikeja High Court on March 29 declared Akiolu as the bona fide king of Lagos after 16-year legal battle.

    During special prayers after  the Jumat service last Friday, the congregation thanked God for seeing Akiolu through the tussle.

    The Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, said : “We are praying for a successful reign of Oba Akiolu after winning the 16-year court case. We are happy that the decision made by the Lagos State Government that he’s the most competent and the lawful person to assume the throne has been validated by the court’’.

    He added : “He (Akiolu) has modernised the palace. He interacts with religious bodies. His doors are always open to all Lagosians. So, we thank God who vindicated us and established him as the rightful Oba of Lagos. We thank God and pray that he will continue to excel in his duties to the glory of this country and Lagos State’’.

    Read Also: Court declares Rilwan Akiolu bona-fide Oba of Lagos

    The Bashorun of Lagos urged Lagosians to move closer to him and tap from his wisdom.

     

  • Herdsmen/Farmers clashes: IGP advises against inflammatory statements

    Herdsmen/Farmers clashes: IGP advises against inflammatory statements

    The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has advised Nigerians to avoid making inflammatory statements and playing politics with the herdsmen/farmers clashes to achieve genuine reconciliation.

    Speaking during the launch of his book in Lagos on Thursday, Idris said that the security challenges needed to be properly managed so as not to drag the country into unending crisis.

    “This is the only way the country can secure genuine reconciliation among herders and farmers so that they can once again live in peace, harmony, love and avoid unnecessary loss of lives.” he said.

    The police IG said that even though President Muhammadu Buhari mandated the security agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders in the clashes, the nation needed serious conversation on the issue.

    “I have realized that the issue is beyond apprehension and prosecution of offenders: There has to be speedy dispensation of justice and the protection of the rights and interests of the suspects and victims of crime,” Idris said.

    According to the police IG, this is the only way people will have a sense of justice, peace and reconciliation.

    “It is my conviction that when there is security, justice, peace and reconciliation in any nation, civil strife can be avoided.

    “Inter-communal harmony and reconciliation is easier when the people are convinced that the police and other security architecture can guarantee them their individual rights, security and justice,” he said.

    Idris said that the public image of the police was not impressive and called on policemen to respect the rights of the people while performing their lawful duties.

    Read Also: Govt: herdsmen must be law-abiding in Ogun

    “While performing their constitutional duties of protection of lives and property, the police must do so within the confines of the law,” the IG said.

    He said that he dedicated the book titled “Security and Justice: The Pathway for Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria” to officers and men of the force for their selfless service.

    Idris said that proceeds from the book would be used to fund “the Security and Justice Initiative,” a foundation being put in place for the promotion of security, peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.

    The IG said that traditional rulers should be accorded rightful place in the security architecture, peace justice and genuine reconciliation of the people.

    Speaking at the book launch, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu attributed the herdsmen/farmers clashes to the nation’s porous borders.

    The book reviewer, Prof. A.B. Ahmed, said that the 293-page book answered salient questions on security and justice and focused on the author’s childhood and experiences as a policeman.

    “This book is original, excellent and very important for everyone that wants the success of the country as it demonstrates the link between security, justice and human life,” he said.

    Among dignitaries present at the book launch were former Ogun Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, Lagos Police Commissioner, Edgar Imohimi and a representative of retired Maj. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma.

    NAN

  • Over a thousand kidnap suspects on police net, says IGP

    Over a thousand kidnap suspects on police net, says IGP

    There are over a thousand suspected kidnappers in detention across the country, Inspector-Generalof Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris said Thursday.

    He disclosed this during an interview with reporters shortly after he visited the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu at his palace.

    According to Idris, the police were winning the war, just as he called for the establishment of special court and the limitation of trial time for suspected kidnappers.

    He said: “We are addressing the issue of kidnapping across the country. On the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, we paraded more than 50 last week and today (Thursday), more suspects were paraded in Kaduna.

    “Like I suggested in other fora, we should have a change. There should be a law creating a special court for kidnapping. Secondly, the period for trial should be shortened so that within a month or two, people are sentenced.

    “At the moment, we have over a thousand suspected kidnappers in our custody nationwide. I believe we are winning the war and if these adjustments are made, kidnapping would be a thing of past.
    Asked why the military seemed to have taken over internal security role , Idris said it was not for the police to comment on the issue.

    He said: “Every country gets the police they deserve. It is not an issue for the police to comment on. I leave that for the people to decide.

    “I can tell you that we are prepared for 2019 elections. More Area Commands, Mobile Squadron and units would be created across the country so that we can be closer to the people. All we are appealing is for the passage of the Police Trust Fund Bill.”

  • Olu of Warri commences thank you visit to Lagos

    Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli would be arriving Lagos Saturday for thank-you visits to the Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu.

    The Itsekiri monarch, who would be received by Itsekiri sons and daughters resident in the city, would be hosted by all Iwere indigenes after the visits at Ritalori hotels on Monday evening.

    It was gathered that the revered traditional ruler who is primarily coming to appreciate the support rendered by the eminent leaders during the demise of his predecessor and his ascension to the throne will audience with his people

    The visit would further strengthen the ties between the Yoruba nation and the Itsekiri.

  • Oba of Lagos to INEC: don’t alter Nigerians’ wish

    Oba of Lagos to INEC: don’t alter Nigerians’ wish

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to alter the wish of Nigerians at the February elections.

    Akiolu said that INEC should not tolerate rigging or any other electoral malpractice to ensure free, fair and credible polls that would deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

    The monarch who urged the commission to ensure that all eligible voters would get their cards before the elections, assured it of the support of the traditional institution in the state toward credible general elections.

    Akiolu regretted the insurgency in some parts of the country but hoped that it would soon end.

    “I know that our military was not equipped in the past the way it should, but everybody has learnt from his mistakes,’’ the royal father said.

  • Customs seizes N1.3m IIndian hemp

    Customs seizes N1.3m IIndian hemp

    Oba of Lagos to INEC: don’t alte

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to alter the wish of Nigerians at the February elections.

    Akiolu said that INEC should not tolerate rigging or any other electoral malpractice to ensure free, fair and credible polls that would deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

    The monarch who urged the commission to ensure that all eligible voters would get their cards before the elections, assured it of the support of the traditional institution in the state toward credible general elections.

    Akiolu regretted the insurgency in some parts of the country but hoped that it would soon end.

    “I know that our military was not equipped in the past the way it should, but everybody has learnt from his mistakes,’’ the royal father said.

    Nigerians’ wish

  • I’ll make earth-shaking revelation after polls, says Lagos monarch

    I’ll make earth-shaking revelation after polls, says Lagos monarch

    Lagos monarch Rilwanu Akiolu threatened yesterday to make revelations that will shake Nigeria after the 2015 general election.

    Oba Akiolu spoke at the public presentation of a book “Corruption and human rights law in Africa”, authored by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan. He was replying to a statement credited to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade that only two of the country’s renowned monarchs are free of corruption.

    Oba Akiolu said he would reveal top secrets that could not be disputed by those who think their hands are clean, but refused to give further details when approached after the event.

    He lambasted the monarch who alleged that he lifted oil and collected contracts during the Abacha regime, noting that he was a police man during that era.

    On corruption, Oba Akiolu said over 90 per cent of Nigerians are corrupt, adding that the way out is for all hands to be on deck.

    He said: “I will shake this nation after the election in February. The man who made the statement that I lifted oil should cover his face in shame because I was still a serving police officer. Those who collected Abacha money know themselves and I will quote witnesses.

    “Let us stop apportioning blames, forget the past and work towards a better future for this country.

    “Do not put 100 percent blame on President Goodluck Jonathan because the person who caused the problem knows himself.”

    Continuing, the monarch said elections could not be rigged in Lagos, adding that Lagosians were fully prepared to ensure that their votes and good governance count.

    “Nigeria’s problem is not caused by one person. We should be close to God and make things better. We must assist the government to earn the challenges of insurgency and Ebola,” he said.

    Chairman of the occasion, rights activist-lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman Lai Mohammed accused President Jonathan of fuelling corruption by embracing his appointees accused of corrupt practices.

    Falana, acknowledging that the present administration has recorded a milestone in recovering over $2.9 billion of the General Sani Abacha loots , noted that the government was yet to account for the whereabouts of the funds.

    Commending the author for “a great job”, Falana said corruption had crept into all facets of national life, noting that the government has not treated Ebolo or insurgency in accordance with the law.

    “The author looked at the issues of corruption and human rights in Africa and wonderfully linked them. Human rights are not respected because of massive corruption in the continent.

    Said the activist: “The government is not addressing the Ebola crisis under the law. There is a Quarantine Act? enacted in 1926, which says carriers of dreadful diseases should be fished out and quarantined.

    “But, at the moment, we do not know how many people are affected in the country.

    “Also, Boko Haram is being fought in a corrupt way. All dead soldiers’ names are unknown. Immediately a soldier dies, his family is ejected from the barracks within two weeks.

    “Jonathan’s administration has killed the good work against corruption. It is only Abacha that has been harassed, of all those accused of corruption and it is because he is no longer alive.

    “No country has succeeded in receiving loot like Nigeria. We have done well in tracing the over 140 Abacha bank accounts across the world and we have recovered $2.9 billion, although we cannot trace the recovered money.”

    In an interview after the event, Mohammed said President Jonathan should have suspended all his appointees accused of corruption instead of protecting them.

    He wondered how a minister accused of corruption would take the National Assembly to court without the President’s knowledge.

    Said Mohammed: “The root cause of corruption is bad leadership. It is not a disease with a one prescription cure. If the political and economic policies of a government cannot give assurance to the common man or guarantee security of tenure, the tendency is for whoever is there to see himself as a temporal occupant.

    “However, the body language of the leader or whoever is there would determine if corruption will be a norm or not.

    “I was the Chief of Staff of a governor and I could not imagine how any commissioner would have taken the state House of Assembly to court without the governor’s knowledge. Don’t forget every commissioner is an appointee of the governor.

    “When a Minister takes the National Assembly to court and the president pretends not to be aware, what message does that send? Under Obasanjo and late Yar’Adua, ministers were suspended on allegations of corruption.

    “If you are suspended to be investigated, you have not been declared guilty. But when you now shield these officers, one begins to wonder the message you are sending.”

    The chief went on: “About six months ago, innocent job seekers were asked to pay certain amount of money for Immigration job. At the end, about 16 lives were lost. Till date, no refund has been made to the applicants, no indictments and the minister is still occupying office. What message does that send?”

    Mohammed accused security agencies of being too partisan under the Jonathan administration, using his experience with the Directorate of State Security (DSS) during the Osun election as example.

    Noting that he had filed charges against the (DSS) in court, Mohammed said: “I was shocked when the SSS spokesperson said it was legitimate for the SSS to wear hoods. I know that any security agency, which wants to operate publicly must be identified and putting on hoods does not identify you.What is the difference between you and Shekau, if you start wearing hoods?

    “I was going about my lawful business in Osun and SSS said I was picked up for loitering. We all know there is no offence as loitering in Nigeria.”

    According to the APC spokesman, the opposition was a more credible and viable replacement for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level. Muhammed urged Nigerians to compare the human and infrastructural developments in APC and PDP states.