News
FG Gets Kudos For Improving Air Force
The Federal Government has been commended for its determination to improve the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Forcec.
Making the commendation during the induction of the AGUSTA 109 Helicopter:into the Alr orce Inventory at the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Olusegun Oluseyin Petinrin , noted that attempts to regenerate the Nigerian Air Force as a vital instrument of national power are yielding results.
His words: “Efforts are on to increase our C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet. The
Mi 24/35 Atta7k Helicopter, the super Puma helicopters, the G-222s, the ATR-42 Maritime PaErol Aircraft and the Donier228 light transport and liaison aircraft.
“Similarly, the Alpha jets, the new F-7 NI combat aircraft will spoon start operations. Today’s occasion is to usher in the Augusta A 109 Light I Utility Helicopter / A 109 Executive into the service.”
Air Marshal Petinrin, who spoke through Air Vice Marshal
Edwin Allene Okafor, expressed happiness that the Nigerian~Air Force would attain and claim its rightful place~when all these platforms are
fully operational by the end of this year.
He stated that acquisition of the platforms are Agusta A 109LUH/E aircraft and deployment of Alpha Jet Fighters at the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu will enhance the Nigerian Air
Force capability to protect the nation’s maritime environment, as a single service or in joint operations with surface forces.
He, however, recalled with regrets that the Nigerian Air Force the nation and a dependable air power in the sub-region in the 1980s, but due to the lack of platforms and other challenges could not perform its constitutional roles.
“Our capacity for rapid response in the defence of our nation by air and in support of other security initiatives of government was thus blunted. “It is a well known fact that huge losses are incurred annually to illegal bunkering and exploitation of maritime resources along Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone. “It is, therefore, imperative that positive steps be taken to protect vast arine resources and,/indeed, our territorial integrity”, he further stressed.
Also in a welcome address, the Air Officer, Commanding Training Command, Air
Vice Marshal MD Umar, noted the decision to transform 305 Flying Training School into an international flying training school open to other services, the general public and sister African countries.
To governor Chime of Enugu State, who has picked a form to enroll as the first executive student pilot, AVM Umar said: “I can assure you, sir, you are in good hands.”
“Indeed this occasion calls for celebration, as it’s marks a mile stone towards the realization of the chief of Air Staff vision to rebuild the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force for effective and efficient employment as a vital instrument of national power in a rapidly changing world},” he said.
Governor Chime, on his brief part also commendd the chief of Air staff for his bold initiative to rebuild the Nigerian Air Force generally and the 305 Flying Training School, Enugu.
He assured the Air Force of the cooperation of his government at all times.
The high point of the ceremony was the testing of the two new helicopters, during which governor chime and some government officials were airlifted to ascertain the air worthiness of the aircrafts.
Port Harcourt based media practitioners under the aegis of Port Harcourt Press, have urged the Rivers State Police Command to arrest and prosecute all suspects involved in the recent attack and harassment of Arise TV crew in Port Harcourt.
The media practitioners, at a World press conference in Port Harcourt, described as dangerous the continuous harassment of journalists by various political actors in the ongoing political crisis in the State.
The text of the briefing which was read by a former State Commissioner for information and Communications and federal lawmaker in the State, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, described as condemnable the attack on the Arise TV crew by suspected political thugs in Port Harcourt, while conducting an interview with Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former commissioner in the State.
According to him, “That harrowing event of Friday, January 2, where the Arise TV crew were brutally attacked by armed men in a hotel in Port Harcourt while conducting interview with Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, former Honourable Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, smacks of nothing but act of intimidation, threat to both the Nigerian media and human lives especially in the forceful carting away of broadcast equipment.”
The group further noted that the attack was not only an insult on the press freedom but on the larger society.
The group regretted the inability of the Police to arrest and bring to book the perpetrators of the act till date, warning that it may be forced to boycott police activities if those involved are not arrested and brought to book.
“From all indications, the police appear to be playing to the gallery. While the broadcast equipment were reportedly recovered, no definite arrest have been made. This body, therefore, demands an urgent and thorough investigation of this matter and those find culpable brought to justice within two weeks.
“Failure to address this issue with the urgency it requires and not carrying out satisfactory actions as required in their prosecution will attract sanctions such as withdrawal of coverage of all police activities in Rivers State by media organisations and journalists as we stand in solidarity with the NUJ,” the group warned.
John Bibor
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
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