Category: News

…says I’m entitled to confront my main accuser

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has applied for the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, to be summoned before the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel of inquiry, to give evidence as a witness.

Magu, who is facing probe over allegations bordering on abuse of office and mismanagement of Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020, applied for Malami to be compelled to appear before the panel to give evidence and tender a copy of his memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, which led to his suspension as EFCC Chairman.

In the application dated September 4 and signed by his lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, Magu, specifically applied for Subpoena Duces Tecum and Subpoena Ad Testificandum to be issued on Malami who he described as his “main accuser”.

Also read: PDP gripped by undemocratic pandemic ― Presidency

Magu’s fresh application to the Salami-led panel of inquiry sitting at the Presidential Villa, a copy of which was sighted by Vanguard on Monday, read:

“Kindly cause to be issued a Subpoena Duces Tecum and Subpoena Ad Testificandum on Mr Abubakar Malami SAN, The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to give evidence, and tender relevant documents on behalf of the State concerning his memo to the President against Mr Ibrahim Magu, The Acting Chairman of EFCC, the subject matter of this inquiry titled “FLAGRANT ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE AND OTHER INFRACTIONS COMMITTED BY MR. IBRAHIM MAGU, ACTING CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) BEING EXTRACTS OF PENDING PETITIONS”  in these proceedings.

“The HAGF is expected to give evidence on his allegations against Ibrahim Magu,  to wit: ‘The Acting Chairman of EFCC is not acting in the overall best interest of the country and the policies of this administration due to its Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency in Managing Recovered Assets; Diversion of Recovered Assets for Personal Enrichment; Neglecting to Investigate the P&ID case  as directed by the President;

Flagrant Disobedience to Directives and to Court Orders due to the following; Final Report Of The Presidential Committee on Audit Of Recovered Assets (PCARA): Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency in Managing Recovered Assets”.

The suspended EFCC Chairman relied on Section 5(c) of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2004, which he said empowered the tribunal to summon any person in Nigeria to attend and give evidence or produce any document or other thing in his possession and to be examined as a witness.

“Summonses issued under this paragraph may be in Form A in the schedule to this act and shall be served by the police or by such person as the members may direct”, he noted, adding that under Section 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2004, Justice Salami as Chairman of the panel, has the power to sign the subpoena to be issued on Malami.

According to Magu, “In the referred memo widely circulated in the social media which triggered these proceedings”, Malami, equally alleged that he was involved in the mismanagement of recovered assets and diversion for personal enrichment.

He said some of the allegations Malami raised against him in the memo to President Buhari, included that: “The Acting Chairman has also neglected and refused blatantly to comply with the Regulations on the Management of Recovered Assets, 2019.

“The Acting Chairman does not want a proper and transparent procedure for the management of assets as directed by your Excellency through me”.

Magu said he believed that consistent with the fundamental principles of fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, he is entitled to confront Malami before the tribunal.

“Our client is entitled to be confronted with copies of allegations against him as well as the opportunity to confront his main accuser (in this case, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation) to enable our client raise issues concerning the allegations and cross-examine the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the substance and credibility of his allegations against our client.

“Based on the foregoing, we humbly request that the Honourable Attorney General who is the main accuser in these proceedings be graciously invited to give evidence in connection with the subject matter of this inquiry with specific reference to our client in the interest of fair hearing.

“We believe this request ought to be resolved before our client is called upon to enter his defense in these proceedings”.

More so, Magu also requested the recall of several witnesses that appeared and testified before the panel at the time he was not allowed to participate in the proceedings.

He said there was a need for him to be allowed to cross-examine such witnesses, especially in view of the extensive scope of the terms of reference of the probe panel.

Vanguard News

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has advised the Federal Government to review the recent increase in fuel pump price.

Mr Augustine Ndaghu, Yola Zonal Coordinator of the Union, gave the advice during a press conference in Yola on Monday.

Ndaghu observed that the price increase was announced by the Federal Government at a wrong time when people were struggling to survive following the outbreak of Coronavirus.

“This is not the right time for government to declare the fuel pump price increase because people are currently struggling to survive the COVID-19 economic meltdown,” Ndaghu said.

On the lingering negotiations between the union and the government that led to the ongoing industrial dispute, the coordinator accused government of insincerity.

He said that it was government’s inaction to recognise and implement various agreements signed between the two that led to the shutdown of the public universities in the country.

“Federal Government continue to ignore the outstanding issues in the FG/ASUU Memorandum of Action of Feb. 7, 2019.

READ ALSO: Fuel, electricity hike’ll increase Nigerians’ hardship — SSANU

“Government refused to take action on several letters written by the union, again government abandoned the path of dialogue on IPPIS since 2013,” he said.

He lamented the coercion of their members into IPPIS with no recourse to the peculiarities of the Nigerian university system.

Ndaghu called on parents and students to understand the current position and action which was meant to salvage the Nigerian university system.

“Our stand is to salvage our universities from the current fate of the Nigerian public primary and secondary schools,” he added.

NAN

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Anayo Okoli & Chinedu Adonu

PROMINENT women group, Umuada Igbo, has called on the Federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency on rape and other forms of gender-based violence, saying that it would help to address the rising cases of the menace in the country.

According to the President-General and founder of Umuada Igbo, Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor, the ugly incidents of rape has become a cankerworm in the society and should be drastically and urgently tackled.

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Ezeofor who spoke to journalists in Enugu, lamented the rising cases of reports of children being defiled, saying that it has become a source of worry to parents and other Nigerians.

She called on the National Assembly to make a law stipulating stiffer penalties for rapists, insisting that they constitute a serious nuisance and embarrassment to the society.

“Rape is not good at all. Can you imagine a girl child; woman going on her business, a man jumps on her and start raping her without her consent?

“Sometimes, the victim ends up with a disease, pregnancy, or death. The lady is dehumanized and the trauma is there forever; the victim may live with it all the days of her life.

“I am calling on Federal Government, all the state Government, and National Assembly to really see what they can do to reduce rape saga. It is causing a lot of problems in society.

“The trauma on rape victims is too much; some of them are living with it for the rest of their life. I know that if the federal and state government come into it and make a law against rape saga, that the citizens will stop it”, Ezeofor said.

She also called on the governments at all levels to create job opportunities for the youths to keep them busy, pointing out that “an idle mind is devil’s workshop”.

“I am also calling on governments at all levels to see what they can do on youth’s unemployment. An idle man is the devil’s workshop. We have youths who have spent 10 years upon graduation without jobs. Let the governments create companies, training centers where youths can be gainfully employed”, she appealed.

Ezeofor also advised females to dress decently and urged parents to educate their wards.

“My advice to the male youths and men is to stop raping girls and women because if they place a course on you, you will never succeed in life. Be gainfully employed; do not wait for a government job. Keep your certificate in the pocket and one day it will be useful.

“For women, young girl, dress properly. Do not expose your body which is supposed to be covered. The way women dress contributes to rape cases; youths should practice self-discipline.

“For parents, do not allow your children of the opposite sex to sleep on one bed. Teach your girl child how to dress decently when they are still young so that they will know the importance of dressing properly. When you expose your pride to people, you will lose your value as a woman”, Ezeofor said.

Vanguard News

…empowers 54 youths with 54,000 birds

James Ogunnaike – Abeokuta

Ogun State government at the weekend commenced the third phase of its broilers projects with the empowerment of no fewer than 54 youths with 54,000 broilers birds with a promise to support the participants as commercial growers.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina said each of the beneficiaries will be given 1,000 birds.

Odedina hinted that the project is most extensive youths empowerment programme in term of what the beneficiaries are entitled to, adding that the state needs serious-minded youths to pilot the agriculture programme because the message should be from youths to youths.

He explained that the participants started with 1,000 broilers each, adding that they have gone through 3,000 in 18 weeks.

READ ALSO: OGUN: One killed as robbers in military fatigue engage policemen in shootout

The Commissioner added that 54 youths participated and because of their success story, 9,000 youths have indicated to also participate.

According to him “If they have failed during the first and second circles, the other youths would not have shown interest.”

“Just about three weeks ago, Governor Dapo Abiodun gave approval for replication of this project in all the 20 local governments in the state.”

We are here with the same participants to launch the third circle. These participants are supposed to raise this third circle for about six weeks and still make a profit.

READ ALSO: Ogun state assures workers of improved welfare package

We will allow the beneficiaries share their experience with the world because they are the face of agriculture not only in Ogun state but also in Nigeria at large.

We appreciate the Ogun youths for upholding poultry and broiler value chain because it’s a profitable value chain and if you blackmail it, other youths will not value it.

He, therefore, said Ogun state will come up with plans to support the participants as commercial growers.

“I have the approval with me and I’m ready to show it to the whole world that we are starting the building of poultry infrastructure and we will take at least 1, 000 per local government.”

“We are already discussing with various off-takers who will also do the same or better credit linkage so the market is here and we have enough registration.”

“By the time we start this project with other youths, existing participants will be our consultants we are not going to take trainers or teachers outside.” He concluded.

One of the beneficiaries, Ajasa Oluwatobi, lauded the project expressing his experience by feeding 9000 birds as a wonderful experience so far because he had only been a small scale farmer before.

He, therefore, encouraged youths not to only look for white-collar jobs but to use every opportunity to involve in agriculture.

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Festus Ahon, Asaba

A suspected car snatcher, on Sunday, killed a pregnant woman and a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as ‘Okada’ in Isselu-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The suspected car thief, Vanguard gathered, knocked down the Okada rider and his passenger at about 6 pm while finding an escape route after snatching a Peugeot car belonging to one Martin in Issele-Uku.

ALSO READ:Emir of Ilorin pledges support for EFCC

Speaking to newsmen, the owner of the car, Martin said, “I wanted to go to Asaba, so, I decided to get one or two passengers as I used to do. I left the key in the ignition because I did not go far, I was within the area.

“Before I could know what was happening, somebody just jumped inside the car and moved, so, immediately I stopped Okada and gave him hot chase.

“The man was on speed trying to escape when he ran into Okada man who carried a pregnant woman and they died on the spot. When we got to the scene, I found out that the man who was trying to steal my car is a Fulani man.

ALSO READ: CLIMATE CHANGE: Ogun, Nigerian Breweries partner to plant 600,000 trees

“When people came to the scene and saw that the pregnant woman and the Okada rider were already dead, they pounced on him before the police came and rescued him.”

Efforts made to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya for comment proved abortive as at press time.

However, a Senior Police Officer in the area, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect was arrested but was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Vanguard

*Say Customs’ alert on presence of Boko Haram elements in FCT due to intelligence failure

Elders in the North Central states of the country have joined in the call for President Mohammadu Buhari to sack the service chiefs over the state of insecurity in the country.

The group of elders in the region, under the aegis of Coalition of North Central Elders, in a statement signed by their National Chairman, Engr Usman Bida and National Secretary, Barr Moses Okudu, appealed to the president to immediately restructure the security architecture.

The elders who said they were concerned about the alert on the presence of Boko Haram elements in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, by the Nigerian Customs Service, attributed the development to what it called “intelligence failure” on the part of the security agencies.

Their position came barely 24 hours after another group in the North under the umbrella of Arewa Professional Forum, APF,  did not only express concerns over the worsening state of insecurity but also appealed to the president to relieve the top security heads from their position and inject fresh hands in the security management.

The group said it was “saddened that there is no state in the North Central that is free of terrorist attacks or that has not had its own fair share of the mindless killings of innocent citizens one time or the other”, recalling with regret that the region was” the most peaceful in the entire North.”

It reminded the president that the first step in restoring security in the country was the restructuring of the security architecture with the sacking of the service chiefs.

According to the group, “Nigerians are tired of rhetoric and promises of security situation getting better.”

The statement read in full: “The entire Management and members of Coalition of North Central Elders, wish to condemn in the most strongest term the unabated state of insecurity in our region in particular and Nigeria at large.

ALSO READ: Police seek synergy with sister agencies for effective service delivery

“We join other well-meaning Nigerians to call on Mr. President to immediately restructure the current security architecture in the country with the sacking of the Service Chiefs as the first steps.

“Nigerians are tired of rhetoric and promises of the security situation getting better.

“We are saddened that there is no state in the North Central that is free from terrorists attacks or that has not had it own fair share of the mindless killing of innocent citizens one time or the other, a region that was the most peaceful in the entire north.

“When we were about to recover from the arrest of over 400 terrorists with dangerous weapons in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa by the military which was quite commendable, we are taken aback, with the recent intelligence reports released by Nigerian Customs Service, of the presence of Boko Haram elements in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and some local government areas in Nasarawa and Niger states. This is a complete failure of intelligence.

“As it stands today, the well-meaning citizens of North Central and Nigeria, are frightened by this information.

Some parts of Nasarawa, Niger, and Kogi states are no-go areas because of the activities of these terrorists that kill, kidnap, and rob people at will as if we are in a Banana republic.

“In Niger State, people are killed on a daily basis, women are raped and children killed by this terrorist group.

“We voted for President Muhammed Buhari because of his vast experience in security and integrity and we expect the best from him.

” Mr. President, we are with you, and will always be, but we feel your continued retention of the Service Chiefs for the last five years running is totally against the wishes of Nigerian people given that it is causing a lot of low morale and bad work zeal in the entire Armed Forces, we appeal that you act now.

“Mr President sir, four officers cannot be more experienced than thousands of the officers we have in the Armed Forces. It is on this note that we appeal to you to as a matter of urgency and national importance sack them from office.”

VANGUARD

FRSC Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi,

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has restated commitment to collaborating with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in the prevention of road tanker crashes on the country’s highways.

FRSC’s Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, made the commitment during a Working Visit to the DPR office, Victoria Island in Lagos on Monday.

“The major challenge on the road today are the wet cargoes, that is, the tankers carrying petroleum products, and dry cargoes, which are the containers falling frequently on the road.

“We really need a strong technical collaboration; our philosophy is that if there is a problem, we get to the root of the problem before we can tackle it.


“That is why we are here to seek this assistance to work together, ” he said.

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Oyeyemi said there was a need to carry out a lot of preventive measures, including putting in the technical expertise, where the DPR became very critical. According to him, the standards required before the tankers can be loaded at the various tank farms should be complied with.

“Also, in the course of giving them permission, the standards in place should be inspected and an application confirmed.

“If they are all put in place, our roads will be much safer.”

The Corps Marshal said that key areas of possible operational collaboration include retraining of drivers and assistants in handling loading and unloading of products. He said that there was a need for extension of culpability and sanction for loading of deficient trucks to depot operators.

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“There is a need for a periodic interface between DPR and FRSC to review and fine-tune implementation strategies, ” Oyeyemi said.

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer, DPR Mr. Sarki Auwalu, said that the DPR, in March 2020, inaugurated the Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operators, as part of efforts to enhance safety. Auwalu said that the training for the tanker drivers aimed at recognising and preventing the hazards associated with handling of petroleum products.

“The training also involves safe driving strategy and procedure of handling accidents and emergency, vehicle parking, servicing and security,” he said.

Vanguard

By Soni Daniel

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Kwara State,  Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has pledged support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s  anti- graft war.

Gambari made the pledge on Monday, September 7, 2020 while receiving the delegation of the EFCC led by the Ilorin zonal head,  DCDS Kazeem Oseni who paid him a Courtesy visit.

According to the first class traditional ruler “I’m assuring you on behalf of Council of Traditional Rulers in Kwara State that you will get our support, my door is opened twenty-four hours and I will be there to assist you.

READ ALSO: EFCC re-arraigns Mama Boko Haram, 2 others over N6m fraud

Earlier,  Oseni,  while appreciating the Emir of Ilorin and other traditional rulers in Kwara State for supporting the fight against corruption,  also solicited for more.

“I believe that it’s mandatory to be here and pay homage, I’m also here to seek for more support in the fight against all forms of financial crimes.   We have heard so much about you before, I’m very sure that you will help us to sensitize your subjects so that they can understand that the fight against corruption is not a personal fight”.

Vanguard

Mr. Eyo Charles, the Cross River Correspondent of Daily Trust newspaper

Mr. Eyo Charles, the Cross River Correspondent of Daily Trust newspaper, was on Monday presented with an award for excellence, by an Abuja-based Non- Governmental Organisation, One Love Foundation International.

Presenting the award in Calabar, Mr. Osemudiamen Ogbidi, the Programme Officer of the foundation, said it was in recognition of the reporter’s bravery and commitment to the journalism profession.

According to him, the foundation decided to recognise the correspondent in view of his recent encounter with the former Minister for Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, during a press conference in Calabar.

“Mr. Eyo is a symbol of a true journalist who suffers undue oppression in the hands of the privileged in the cause of performing his duties.

“He was insulted, humiliated and downgraded just for asking a simple question. That is why we are here to honour him and to encourage him and other journalists not to give up.

“Gone are the days when people referred to lawyers as the hope of the common man. Today journalists are the hope of the common man,” he said.

READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode inspects ongoing projects in Oyo state, describes Makinde as effective leader

He urged the correspondent to continue with his exploits in journalism and encouraged others to emulate him.

The foundation also presented an award to the Chairman of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Victor Udu.

Responding, Charles thanked the foundation for the award, saying that he least expected it.

He described the insult and abuse meted out to him by the former minister as unfortunate, adding that he did not mean to embarrass him.

“But I have since forgiven him,” Charles said.

He commended the Management of Daily Trust, the President of NUJ as well as the union in the 36 states of the federation and the media for their show of solidarity.

The reporter added that the award would spur him to work harder.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…Links insecurity in Ogoni to failure of the cleanup process

By Davies Iheamnachor, Port-Harcourt

Forum of Ogoni Elders and Leaders under the aegis of Gbo Kabaari Ogoni has tasked the Federal Government and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, to stop playing games with the lives of the people of Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State.

The body composed of prestigious sons and daughters of the area also accused HYPREP of failing to deliver the cleanup project transparently to the oil devastated communities of Ogoni, adding that the project was structured to fail the people.

Sen. (Dr.) Bennett Birabi, the Chairman of the body, in a World Press Conference in Port Harcourt, expressed regrets that in a recent performance index released by the United Nations Environmental Report office that HYPREP scored zero in eight out of ten 10 in a performance index produced.

Birabi, in the statement titled, ‘Ogoni Demands Clean-up Not Propaganda and Rhetorics’, bemoaned that HYPREP has failed to deliver the cleanup project to the people, adding that the lives of the people are being affected by inactions of the project.

ALSO READ: PDP governorship aspirant resigns, joins Zenith Labour Party

He said: “Regrettably, rather than address the issues so raised, HYPREP has instead continued in the unfortunate path of reinforcing failure and engaging in propaganda to cover up its failures at the expense of the health and lives of the hapless people of Ogoni. Some of the issues we drew its attention to earlier, have now snowballed and assumed very complex dimensions.

“This, in our view, is an insulting conspiratorial arrangement to perpetually under-develop Ogoni. It depicts the manner of games that are played with the lives of Ogoni people, but it has got to stop.”

Birabi noted the clean-up project was to provide employment for unemployed youths in the area involved in artisanal refining and, in effect, help to address issues of insecurity in the land, regretting that the failure to meet the emergency need has worsened insecurity in the area.

He expressed worries over the lack of attention to the recommendations of UNEP in the area of emergency, adding that the health of the people were endangered by their continuous exposure to the polluted environment.

“The zero score indicated in the by UNEP means, therefore, that we had zero youth employment in those areas, with its very sad consequences on security. We find this unacceptable and it is our view that by any performance metric, the so much harped Ogoni clean-up has failed thus far.

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Sadly, continuously drinking water contaminated with such dangerously high levels of Benzene, a carcinogenic substance, is an obvious threat to this fundamental right of the Nigerian citizen.

“The continuous refusal to implement this all-important recommendation is, therefore, a serious threat to the corporate existence and sustainability of Ogoni people, who as Nigerians are protected by the Nigerian constitution.

“We roundly condemn the unfortunate and offensive attempts by HYPREP to downplay the meaning of “emergency” or, perhaps, input a strange into it. Emergency measures mean emergency measures!”

He, however, called on the Minister of Environment to review the performance challenges in HYPREP and comprehensively overhaul, re-jig and restructure the Project across all levels of the current nested structure in order for the cleanup to be back on track.

Vanguard

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Federal Government and representatives of Bayelsa State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) over the upgrading of the Sports Academy at Asoama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

The Bayelsa Sports Academy was established by Chief Timipre Sylva when he was governor of the state as a premier institute of sports for the training of young talents.

The institution, which is presently at a temporary site was turned to a model secondary school of learning by the immediate past administration of Hon Seriake Dickson with a focus on formal education and sports training.

ALSO READ: Fuel, electricity hike’ll increase Nigerians’ hardship — SSANU

The State Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, while on a tour of the Institute, announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MUO) with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports is expected to address the issues of upgrading of the facilities and structures in the academy.

Igali, who met with coaches, teachers, and principal of the academy, Mr. Dickson Akpatako said though there are challenges of poor building facilities, shortage of teachers and truancy, poor sports facilities, and shortage of coaches, “this is a temporary facility. When we have everything completed, the academy will take shape.

“My visit to the institution showed that buildings need to renovation, more teachers and coaches not enough.

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“We have an MOU with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports because our goal is to make the institution accessible to young pupils from other states of the country.

“We are hoping that the expected upgrade will reshape the Institution for excellence.”

Igali, who is also an Olympic champion, assured the management of the Sports Academy of the state government’s commitment to upgrading the institute with more training facilities in boxing, football, wrestling, and Judo.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emelah, who was on the assessment tour of the institution warned against acts of truancy by the teachers deployed to the sports academy.

Vanguard

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja assured Nigerians of the willingness and determination of the Federal Government to provide stable electricity to every home and industry, while considering the economic challenges before individuals, families and businesses, explaining that “implementation of a Willing buyer, Willing Seller Policy for the power sector has opened opportunities for increased delivery of electricity.’’

Speaking at the First Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the State House Conference Centre, the President said the target of providing 11,000 megawatts by 2023 was realistic and realizable, and would provide a lifeline for many businesses and improve the living conditions of many Nigerians.

President Buhari noted that increase in price of electricity and deregulation of the petroleum sector were crucial decisions that were taken at the beginning of the year, preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuous delay in implementation of the policy of the “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller’’ and deregulation of the petroleum would be detrimental to the economy, placing the burden of regular light cuts and fuel queues on Nigerians.

“Implementation of a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller Policy for the power sector, has opened up opportunities for increased delivery of electricity to homes and industries. We are also executing some critical projects through the Transmission, Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, which will result in the transmission and distribution of a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023.

“On transportation, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure. The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund projects are also progressing very well. These include the 11.9 km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and 375 km Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Expressway. At the same time, we are actively extending and upgrading our railway networks, as well as our airports which are being raised to international standard with the provision of necessary equipment, to guarantee world class safety standard.’’

The President said the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe downturn in the funds available to finance the nation’s budget.

“One of the steps we took at the beginning of the crisis in March when oil prices collapsed at the height of the global lockdown, was the deregulation of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) such that the benefit of lower prices at that time was passed to consumers.

“This was welcome by all and sundry. The effect of deregulation though is that PMS prices will change with changes in global oil prices. This means quite regrettably that as oil prices recover we would see some increases in PMS prices. This is what has happened now. When global prices rose, it meant that the price of petrol locally would go up.

“There are several negative consequences if Government should even attempt to go back to the business of fixing or subsidizing PMS prices. First of all, it would mean a return to the costly subsidy regime. Today we have 60% less revenues, we just cannot afford the cost. The second danger is the potential return of fuel queues – which has, thankfully, become a thing of the past under this administration.

“Nigerians no longer have to endure long queues just to buy petrol, often at highly inflated prices. Also, as I hinted earlier, there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget, simply because we are not able to afford it, if reasonable provisions must be made for health, education and other social services. We now simply have no choice.

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“Nevertheless, I want to assure our compatriots that Government is extremely mindful of the pains that higher prices mean at this time, and we do not take the sacrifices that all Nigerians have to make for granted. We will continue to seek ways and means of cushioning pains especially for the most vulnerable in our midst. We will also remain alert to our responsibilities to ensure that marketers do not exploit citizens by raising pump price arbitrarily.

“This is the role that government must now play through the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). This explains why the PPPRA made the announcement a few days ago setting the range of price that must not be exceeded by marketers. The advantage we now have is that anyone can bring in petroleum products and compete with marketers, that way the price of petrol will be keep coming down.’’

On electricity, the President added that the recent service based tariff adjustment by the Discos had also been a source of concern for the government.

“Let me say frankly that like many Nigerians I have been very unhappy about the quality of service given by the Discos, but there are many constraints including poor transmission capacity and distribution capacity. I have already signed off on the first phase of the Siemens project to address many of these issues.

“Because of the problems with the privatization exercise, government has had to keep supporting the largely privatized electricity industry. So far to keep the industry going we have spent almost 1.7 trillion, especially by way of supplementing tariffs shortfalls. We do not have the resources at this point to continue in this way and it will be grossly irresponsible to borrow to subsidize a generation and distribution which are both privatized.

“But we also have a duty to ensure that the large majority of those who cannot afford to pay cost reflective tariffs are protected from increases. NERC, the industry regulator, therefore approved that tariff adjustments had to be made but only on the basis of guaranteed improvement in service. Under this new arrangement only customers who are guaranteed a minimum of 12 hours of power and above can have their tariffs adjusted. Those who get less than 12 hours supply, or the Band D and E Customers MUST be maintained on lifeline tariffs, meaning that they will experience no increase.

“Government has also taken notice of the complaints about arbitrary estimated billing. Accordingly, a mass metering program is being undertaken to provide meters for over 5 million Nigerians, largely driven by preferred procurement from local manufacturers – creating thousands of jobs in the process. NERC has also committed to strictly enforcing the capping regulation which will ensure that unmetered customers are not charged beyond the metered customers in their neighbourhood.’’

The President noted that the timing of implementation of both tariffs was a coincidence.

“There has been some concern expressed about the timing of these two necessary adjustments. It is important to stress that it is a mere coincidence in the sense that the deregulation of PMS prices happened quite some time ago, it was announced on 18 March 2020 and the price moderation that took place at the beginning of this month was just part of the on-going monthly adjustments to global crude oil prices.

“Similarly, the review of service-based electricity tariffs was scheduled to start at the beginning of July but was put on hold to enable further studies and proper arrangements to be made. This government is not insensitive to the current economic difficulties our people are going through and the very tough economic situation we face as a nation, and we certainly will not inflict hardship on our people.

“But we are convinced that if we stay focused on our plans, brighter, more prosperous days will come soon. Ministers and senior officials must accordingly ensure the vigorous and prompt implementation of the ESP programmes, which will give succour to Nigerians.

President Buhari said many Nigerians were yet to be connected to electricity, assuring that the Economic Sustainability Plan will provide Solar home systems to five million Nigerian households in the next 12 months.

“We have already begun the process of providing financing support through the CBN for manufacturers and retailers of Off Grid Solar Home Systems and Mini-Grids who are to provide the systems. The Five million systems under the ESP’s Solar Power Strategy will produce 250,000 jobs and impact up to 25 million beneficiaries through the installation. This means that more Nigerians will have access to electricity via a reliable and sustainable solar system.

“The support to Solar Home System manufacturers and the bulk procurement of local meters will create over 300,000 local jobs while ensuring that we set Nigeria on a path to full electrification. The tariff review is not about the increase, which will only affect the top electricity consumers, but establishing a system which will definitely lead to improved service for all at a fair and reasonable price.’’

President Buhari said the economy recovered from a recession and witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth before COVID-19 pandemic, admonishing ministers and senior government officials to stay focused on delivering results that will improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The President said the government had continued to support the Agricultural sector, the key to diversification of the economy, through schemes such as the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative programme.

On security, President Buhari said:

“Nigeria’s Law Enforcement Agencies have significantly scaled up their footprint across the country. As part of the efforts towards strengthening our internal security architecture, the Ministry of Police Affairs was created.

“Amongst others, we have increased investments in arms, weapons and other necessary equipment, expanded the National Command and Control Centre to 19 States of the Federation, and established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force. We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts.’’

The speech was read on behalf of the President by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as President Buhari was away in Republic of Niger at the 57th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Vanguard

By Peter Okutu

The Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC), South-East zone, Monday, said it has commenced the implementation of the new service reflective tariff in the country.

The implementation which was effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020, is in compliance with the Order by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) dated 27th August 2020.

This development was made known in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.

Ezeh explained that the new tariff will be a reflection of the service quality and does not apply to all customers, but only to those that enjoy more hours of power supply.

According to him, “In the new tariff Order, customers are classified into three major clusters, namely: Non-MD, MD-1 and MD-2.

“In the same vein, five distinctive bands (A-E) has been created to reflect the various service levels and minimum hours of power supply, a situation where a blanket tariff no longer applies to all category of customers.

READ ALSO: Consider plights of electricity customers in tarrif review — FCCPC urges NERC

“For instance, customers in “Band A” are to enjoy daily minimum supply of 20 hours, those in “Band B” minimum of 16 hours, “Band C” minimum of 12 hours, “Band D” minimum of 8 hours, while those in “Band E” are expected to enjoy minimum daily supply of 4 hours.

“The impact of the reviewed tariff will only apply to customers in Bands A, B and C; while the tariff for customers in Bands D and E remains frozen until their service quality is improved upon. It is only then that they will be migrated to the Band that suits their supply availability.”

Ezeh further stated that the review is consistent with the outcome of the various stakeholder consultations for extraordinary tariff review application held across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states in February and March this year.

It was gathered that for postpaid customers, the impact of the new tariff will reflect in their October bill which is for energy consumed in the month of September, while it will impact on prepaid customers as they purchase their token.

“The new tariff is expected to improve efficiency in delivering quality service to customers, and will equally ensure the sustenance of the operators within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Dayo Johnson

Political thugs Monday for hours laid siege to the Ondo State House of Assembly, causing anxiety across the state capital.

Their surprised presence as early as 730am Monday, Vanguard gathered was to prevent the nine suspended lawmakers that the court quashed their suspension last week from resuming.

Nine lawmakers were suspended by the assembly for refusing to sign the impeachment notice servers on the deputy governor Hon Agboola Ajayi.

But not satisfied with their suspension, the lawmakers went to court to challenge it.

Consequently, an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure ordered they’re reinstated.

The trial Judge, Justice Ademola Bola had described their suspension as illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

Bola held that the House of Assembly, as well as other members, have no power to suspend any member of the Assembly.

READ ALSO: Ondo 2020: PDP gov aspirant threatens to leave party with over 15,000 members

The Judge held that the lawmakers must be reinstated into their positions with immediate effect.

He also, ordered that a sum of N5million should be paid to each of the lawmakers as damages.

Basking in the euphoria of their reinstatement, the lawmakers planned to join their colleagues at the plenary until they met brick walls and made a retreat.

Numbering about 100 the thugs manned the main gate of the Assembly complex with their vehicles parked along the road leading to the complex.

Many of the thugs were said to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The timely intervention of police detectives, however, prevented the thugs from entering into the complex as they mounted barricades at the entrance of the complex.

The crisis in the assembly started months back following the resignation of the deputy governor and the subsequent plan to impeach but its failure.

Speaking on their aborted resumption, the suspended deputy speaker, Iroju Ogundeji alleged that members from the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW came to the house to kill us on the order of the governor and the speaker.

“They said we should not enter the house to perform our constitutional legislative duties.

” Right now, we are helpless because they are using government power against us. We are only relying on God to come to our aide.

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has announced that there would be no public gathering to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the State on September 23, 2020.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and State and Chairman COVID-19 Management Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

Ekuwem in the statement entitled, “September 23rd, 2020: No Public Celebrations of Akwa Ibom at 33”, explained that the governor’s directive was in continuation of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ: Nwuche denies alleged involvement in money laundering, demands apology

He added that the directive was in response to the difficulty that could be experienced in enforcing compliance with the guidelines and protocols during the state-wide event.

Ekuwem stated, “In continuation of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has approved that there should be no public gatherings to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our dear Akwa Ibom State on 23 September 2020.

“This directive is in response to the difficulty that can be experienced in enforcing compliance with AKSG/NCDC/WHO COVID-19 guidelines and protocols during big state-wide celebrations.

ALSO READ: Ondo 2020: Do not use ‘Amotekun’ against oppositions — Action Alliance

“This decision is taken in the interest of public health and safety of the citizens of Akwa Ibom state. The health, lives, and wellbeing of Akwa Ibomites must be prioritised over any celebrations.

“The Governor however invites all citizens to deeply reflect on the historical struggle for the creation of our state and apply themselves to worthy causes that will continue to positively transform and uplift the name of our state.

God bless Akwa Ibom”.

Vanguard

By Henry Umoru, Abuja

Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche has dismissed reports that he was being under investigation by the United States Department of Justice, US DOJ for allegedly laundering $8 million sometime in the past for some officials of the Amnesty programme.

Nwuche who noted that he has not been and would not be involved in any money laundering scheme in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world described such allegations as malicious, false, and designed to smear campaign to blackmail him and tarnish his image.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Lawyer, Godswill Mrakpor of West Point Chambers, Nwuche has asked THE WILL to apologise to him following the publication and failure to do that, he will not hesitate to drag the Company to court and seek redress.

He has also alleged that some highly placed Politicians from South-South were after him and sponsoring the publications against him, with a view to blackmailing and bringing him down.

ALSO READ: Ondo 2020: PDP gov aspirant threatens to leave party with over 15,000 members

Meanwhile, Nwuche’s media aide, MacLean Ezebesor has alleged that the same highly placed politicians in the south-south who have been after Nwuche, since 2015 are the sponsors of these publications, and they will soon be forced to unveil the masquerades, who instead of using their offices for the development of the Niger Delta are using same to blackmail, intimidate and pull down prominent Niger Delta people.

Urging them to emulate leaders from other climes who use their offices to uplift their people and regions, and not for denigration, set up, and blackmail of other leaders, in their quest to be the only ones to be reckoned with, said, “People know these leaders and their records in public office, and if anybody should be investigated by any agencies, they should be the ones.”

Recall that THEWILL had reported that the US DOJ has been investigating Prince Chibudom Nwuche, who allegedly laundered at least $8m from the Amnesty programme and other individuals.

Nwuche’s Lawyer’s letter read, “Our attention has been drawn to false allegations circulating in the social media, which originated from an online publication THEWILL on September 6, 2020, falsely alleging that our client, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is under investigation by the US DOJ for allegedly laundering $8 million sometime in the past for some officials of the Amnesty programme.

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“We would like to inform the public that these allegations are entirely false and are obviously sponsored by some political interests as part of their unfolding 2023 agenda. Hon. Nwuche has not been and would not be involved in any money laundering scheme in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world, and is not under any sort of investigation by foreign agencies.

“These false allegations are a smear campaign by THEWILL Nigeria and their known sponsors in an attempt to damage or call into question the reputation of Hon. Nwuche by propounding negative propaganda which are false. As a political figure and a businessman, Hon. Nwuche has conducted himself in an exemplary manner worthy of commendation since 1999 to date. His tenure as Deputy Speaker, House of Reps ended without blemish.

“We hereby call on THEWILL Nigeria to immediately withdraw this false story and issue a public apology to Hon. Nwuche. If they do not comply with this and cease all related statements and publications, a libel lawsuit for substantial damages will be commenced against them.”

Vanguard

By Adeola Badru

TO mitigate against the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and assist people that were economically affected, Oyo State Government, the World Bank and Heritage Bank PLC have distributed palliative packages to over two hundred less-privileged individuals in the state.

The intervention also included a psychosocial service in the form of counselling to the vulnerable people to lessen the psychological effect of the global pandemic on their mental health.

Also read: COVID-19: States to get $2.5m performance-based grants for tax relief

The programme, which was under the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYSCDA), took place at two local government areas in the state, while other local government areas will also benefit from subsequent interventions.

According to the Acting General Manager of the Oyo Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Engr. Abisola Adabanija, during the sensitisation campaign and distribution of the palliative packages in Ijanadogo community in Oriire North LCDA, Olokoto and Sooro community in Irepo Local Government, Kishi, disclosed that the new component in the efforts of the agency was a World Bank initiative targeted at the vulnerable and less privileged, aimed at strengthening them on coping mechanisms on after-effect of Covid-19 pandemic and other socio-economic occurrences.

Engr. Adabanija stated that apart from the social infrastructure funded by the World Bank through the agency in the rural communities, as the CSDP project would be winding up in September 2020, the new component would look into some of the psychological problems, facing individuals and families.

She explained further that the project under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde would support the agency to respond to the needs of people in specialized areas of psychotherapy, counselling, training and provision of psychosocial support to the less privileged.

“This programme was designed with the support of the World Bank and our donor body, which is Heritage Bank to help support individuals from different homes that research has shown are affected by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.”

“Apart from the palliative packages which will assist in meeting some of their immediate needs in food and consumables, we are also giving them counselling to strengthen them psychologically against depression and other mental issues that might arise from their vulnerability status.”

“Some might decide to commit suicide if they keep their issues to themselves or start having mental challenges, the best thing is to have sessions with them to know how they feel and encourage them about survival.”

Engr. Abisola added that the sensitization to the CSDP beneficiary communities was to identify some of the psychosocial problems and how they would be able to cope with economic and other social vices after Covid-19 pandemic.

Counselling sessions were seen being conducted privately on individuals by the agency’s Gender and Vulnerable officer while an NGO called Rural Nurture Initiative was also on ground to support.

Palliatives donated by the Heritage Bank Plc was distributed to vulnerable members of the communities visited.

Beneficiaries at the event could not hide their feelings as they were full of praises for the gesture.

It would be recalled that the agency has been identified as one of the platforms for the implementation of the new World Bank-assisted project in the state called CARES(Covid-19 Action Response and Economic Stimulus) which has been slated to take of immediately after the termination of the current CSDP in September 2020.

Vanguard News

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Ogun State government and Nigerian Breweries Plc on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the reforestation of 500 hectares of Olokemeji forest reserve in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Forestry in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan, said the project is aimed at preserving the environment, protecting the watershed, and replenishing soil water, thereby mitigating the effects of global warming.

Morgan who disclosed that her company aims to plant 600,000 trees in the reserve, noted that the project affirms her company’s sustainability of Brewing a Better World (BaBW).

She added that her company had committed N500million to the project which would be executed in conjunction with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for a period of 10 years.

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She said, “We plan to replace trees that have been harvested from 500 hectares of land at the Olokemeji forest reserve in Abeokuta using species of trees that are indigenous to the area”.

“A very integral part of our Every Drop strategy is the water balancing initiative, which is aimed at retaining rainfall runoffs within the watershed and recharge aquifers. This is to be achieved through collaborative actions with other stakeholders based in the watershed”.

“The reforestation of 500 hectares of the Olokemeji forest reserve in Abeokuta has been identified as a suitable water retention project to improve the watershed health”.

“To fulfill our objective of protecting water resources, we aim to restore a portion of the Olokemeji forest reserve that has been denuded of trees, improving the recharge of the Ewekoro and Abeokuta aquifer and enhancing the health of the watershed”.

ALSO READ: ‘Oshiomhole best gov Edo has ever had’

On his part, the State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Tunji Akinosi condemned the encroachment of forest reserves in the state by people who engage in illegal farming and other activities.

Akinosi lamented that the activities are detrimental to the proper forestry growth, management, and development of the state. He warned that the state would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found encroaching forest reserves in the state.

While stressing the importance of tree planting, the Commissioner said, “tree planting has been adjudged worldwide as a prime factor in human development, environmental amelioration, health system development, mitigating the effects of global warming among other things.

“Trees also play a vital role in watershed management – a basis on which the State dedicated two forest reserves (Arakanga and Edun Stream) for watershed protection.

“Over the years, we have constantly educated indigenes of the State on the roles trees to play in the provision of clean water as well as replenishing soil water (aquifer recharge). We have also regularly called on investors and individuals to join forces with the government to plants trees”, he said.

Akinosi disclosed that the state is targeting the regeneration of 1,000 hectares of tree plantation annually, adding the state in conjunction with the French government is reafforesting 108,000 hectares of land in the Imeko and Aworo reserves of the state.

Vanguard

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As the COVID-19 pandemic continue to disrupt social gatherings in Nigeria, the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has scheduled its 19th convocation ceremony virtually, as its delivered kit to graduating students through courier service.

The event, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Labode Popoola is the first-ever virtual convocation to hold by a public university in the country.

Speaking at Convocation Press Conference and handing over of kits to FEDEX for onward distribution to students, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that 1,946 students for the 2018/19 academic session would be conferred with various degrees on Monday, September 21, 2020, at the University’s auditorium in Osogbo.

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He added that over 95 % of the graduating students have registered to be part of the virtual convocation, hence, the school engaged mobile service providers on providing affordable data to allow students to join the program fully kitted.

Professor Popoola further stated that the convocation lecture would be delivered by a professor of Economics, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, New York, Jeffery D. Sachs, and would speak on, “The New Normal: Challenges and Opportunities for Tertiary Education”.

“This unique year 2020, the whole world battled with an unexpected pandemic which has now made most corporate organizations to switch their major operations/activities from physical to virtual. At UNIOSUN, instead of complaining, I am glad to tell you that we are busy brainstorming and proffering solutions to developmental challenges. All plans are currently on top gear and we are ready to conduct the first-ever virtual convocation ceremony in the history of public Universities in Nigeria.

“I like to inform you that the total graduate output of the University for the 9th convocation captures our graduands for the 2018/2019 academic session and it is one thousand nine hundred and forty-six (1,946). These graduands will be conferred with first degrees and fifty-two graduands with higher degrees and Diplomas. Out of this number, thirty-five (35) first-class degrees, representing 1.79% of the total number of graduands will be awarded to those students who have distinguished themselves academically.

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Also, six hundred and three (603) made second class (upper), nine hundred and seventy-two (972) second class lower, two hundred and seventy-four (274) made the third class, while only ten (10) will be awarded the pass degree. This will bring to a total of eleven thousand eight hundred and forty-five (1845) first degrees awarded by the University since its first graduation in 2011.

“We are handing one thousand nine hundred and forty-six (1,946) convocation kits to the courier service to deliver them to the door-steps of our graduands to be able to participate in the first of its kind 9th convocation ceremony of the University virtually from their respective locations.

Each convocation It has five (5) distinct items and they include the well-laundered convocation gown with cap, the convocation brochure, scroll, and a plaque customized for each graduand as souvenir and memorabilia from the Osun State University”, he said.

Vanguard

Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu

The Commander, Warri Area Command, ACP Abubakar Arugungun, has called for a more robust and purposeful relationship with other sister security agencies for effective service delivery.

Arugungun made this call on Monday during his maiden visit to the Nigeria Police (B Division), Warri.

Arungungun in his address to the officers and men said that all the security agencies were working toward a common goal targeted at protecting lives and properties of the citizenry.

Also read: Nigerian Correctional Service, Police synergize to maintain peaceful environment in Enugu

“Our relationship with other sister security agencies and the supportive agencies must be cordial.

“We must see ourselves as members of the same family targeted towards the same goal of protecting lives and property.

“I will soon be going round to visit the sister security and support agencies to ensure oneness and symbiotic relationship.

“It is a norm in the police that when there is a change in baton, the incoming police officer meets with the officers and men.

“To assess the security arrangement on the ground and also look at areas of improvement for better service delivery.

Upon my assumption in office, I have been making contacts with the people that matter in the discharge of our constitutional duties,” he said.

Arugungun urged the officers and men to always exhibit professional discipline in the discharge of their duties with the public.

“Be disciplined in your conduct to succeed as a policeman, you must have a good relationship with the public.

“No officer must be seen going along with a riffle, it is dangerous, they should go in the group in line with the professional rules,” he said.

The police chief warned his officers and men against indulging in illegal duties, describing it as “suicidal”.

Earlier, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, CSP Benjamin Igometi, said that the crime rate in the division had reduced due to the robust relationship between the police and the vigilante through effective information sharing.

Igometi, however, decried the dearth in manpower and logistics, including inadequate operational vehicles as major challenges confronting the division.

“The division is volatile with a violent crime such as murder, defilement of minors, rape, robbery, cultism, stealing, burglary among others but since my arrival, proactive measures have been put in place to curb their excesses.

“The division is in dire need of manpower. In addition to inadequate manpower, there are no enough serviceable vehicles for patrol,” he said.

Vanguard News