News

Govs, IGP Disagree On State Police

Published

9 years ago

July 21, 2017

In what may appear to be a tacit support for the restructuring of the country, the Governors Forum last night set up a six-man committee to explore the option of actualising state police in the country.
But in a swift reaction to the governors’ action, the Inspector General of Police , Mr Ibrahim Idris said Nigeria is not yet ripe for state police.
The committee set up by the governors, which has representatives from the six geo-political zones of the country was mandated to come up with the best way of policing the country in view of the myriads of security challenges and their attendant loss of lives its attendant lost of lives.
This decision was reached after a closed-door meeting the governors had with the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Chairman of Governors Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari flanked by the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha said that its meeting was dominated by the presentation made by the Inspector General of Police. He also said that the IGP had sought the permission for the establishment of media outfits like radio and television for the Police Force. Governor Yari said, “We discussed and we received presentation from the Inspector General of Police.
He made a presentation to us canvassing for the support to introduce media outfits, radio and television for the force and as well the Police to go technological from the manual way of doing things.
But the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, says Nigeria does not yet have the political maturity for state police.
Instead, the country should improve funding for the agency under the current arrangement, Mr. Idris stated this yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum.
The I-G said he was not unaware of the agitations by some groups for the creation of state police, but argued that the federal police arrangement still remains the best.
“I sincerely believe that the Federal Police is still the best for the country and with improved funding the challenges of crime will be addressed.
“Those agitating for state police should consider the level of our political maturity,” he said, according to a statement by police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood.
He held the meeting to seek the support of the forum for the passage of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Bill now before the National Assembly.
He said if the bill was passed, the police would have enough fund to effectively police the nation.
He said this would also reduce the pressure on the state governments in the funding of the Police.
Mr. Idris noted that the Nigeria Police were one of the “least paid” security organisations in the world in spite of operating under the UN ratio of 1:400.
He added that with the current ratio of 1: 602 the Nigeria Police was operating far below the United Nation’s ratio.
He said a request to recruit 31,000 policemen had been sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.
Mr. Idris said the current police management was making efforts to establish structures that would bridge the communication gap between the police and members of the public.
Mr. Idris said one of such structures included the establishment of the Nigeria Police Broadcasting Service (NPBS).
The Chairman of the Forum, Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari of Zamfara State, who assured the police boss the support of the forum, said Security was everybody’s business.

News

Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

Published

54 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

News

RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor

News

TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”