Niger Delta
Delta Monarchs Alert On Criminal Tactics
The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, has alerted unsuspecting members of the public of the new strategies of criminal syndicates.
They said the criminals pose as security personnel along the highway and pretend to be willing to assist motorists whose vehicles broke down along the road only to dispossess them of their valuables.
Chairman of the Council, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, said they were concerned about the worsening security situation across the country.
He urged the federal authorities to think out of the box, re-jig the security architecture and adopt more decisive strategies to contain the situation.
While making a strong case for the introduction of community policing as the panacea for arresting the escalating insecurity in the country, the royal fathers condemned the attack and killings of innocent Nigerians in Kastina,Zamfara, Kaduna, Benue and other flash points across the country.
According to them, the nation was sliding to a “worrisome direction” occasioned by insecurity and lack of value for life.
“We are worried that kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, herdsmen attack on farmers, killing and trading in human parts has remained unabated and we feel government should act fast and stem the tide,” he said.
Supported by the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Council, Pene Luke Kalanama VIII, the monarchs charged the Inspector- General of Police to come up with strategies for effective community.
He asserted that policing was the way to go giving the circumstance Nigerians have found themselves.
“We wish to urge Nigerians not to regard security as the sole responsibility of security agencies and military, they should rather see security as the collective responsibility of all Nigerians,” he stated.
The monarchs also called for synergy between them and Presidents-General of communities saying that there was no need for acrimony between them since the traditional rulers were in charge of their kingdoms.
At the end of the meeting, the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II visited the Asaba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien to felicitate with him on his safe return to Asaba after a successful medical vacation abroad for over three years.
Edozien called on governments at all levels to continue to build on the existing development structures for the steady growth of the society saying that the development blue print of past governments should not be jettisoned but rather improved upon.
The Delta State House of Assembly has commenced public hearing on the State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Bill, 2024.
The Tide’s source reports that the public hearing was organised by the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Entrepreneurship in Asaba.
Chairman of the committee, Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, said the hearing was to provide members of the public the opportunity to offer contributions to the proposed law.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that the state has a law that adequately answers to the challenges it seems to address and satisfy the needs and aspirations of our people and society.
“We have invited you to join us to make a law that will help to effectively address and eradicate the odious practice of human trafficking in our state.
“We know that as stakeholders, the effective participation in making this law will go a long way in enhancing the quality of the law that will finally emerge from the process”, she said.
Anyafulu assured the stakeholders that the committee would look into their suggestions and consider areas that could help to strengthen the bill as well as enhance its quality.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, called for the inclusion of the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the implementation process.
It also reports that Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), State Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), among others, were involved in the public hearing.
They commended the State Executive for initiating the bill and called for its speedy passage.
The Federal Government has handed over 24,180 bags of 50kg maize and 5,828 bags of 25kg ‘garri’ to the Akwa Ibom State Government for distribution to vulnerable households.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, made the presentation on behalf of the Federal Government in Uyo, the State Capital.
Represented by Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, the Head, Operations, NEMA, Akwa Ibom State office, Umar said the donation was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government approved the release of 42, 000 metric tonnes of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable households.
Umar said that the president’s promise was the government’s way of reducing the impact of the current economic hardship in the country.
“We are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to the intended beneficiaries in the communities”, she said.
The NEMA D-G said that the food items should be shared in the communities through properly constituted committees at the local government levels.
She said membership of the local government committees should include the council chairman, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency and the traditional institutions.
Umar said 20 per cent of the food items for each council area should be given to religious groups, and that three per cent of it should be given to boarding schools in the area.
Receiving the items, Dr Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the Federal Government for the intervention.
Offor said that the gesture was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of the citizenry.
The commissioner promised that the state government would ensure that the items were given to the intended beneficiaries.
A group, Concerned Obidient Movement, has declared support for Mr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election.
Leader of the group, Mr. Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, told newsmen in Benin that the election transcends individual personalities.
“It is a critical moment that will shape the future of Edo. The PDP is creating a climate of renewed political energy that promises sustainable progress.
“Its candidate, Ighodalo, and the deputy, Osarodion Ogie, possess the vision and qualifications that align with the aspirations of Edo people,” he said.
Igbinevbo highlighted the candidates’ deep understanding of the State’s challenges and potential which, he said, positions them to lead the state into a new era of prosperity and responsible governance.
He urged Edo people, both at home and in the Diaspora, to unite in their support for the PDP and its candidates ahead of the election.
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