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Ondo: Election Should Not Be Do Or Die Contest, Sultan Counsels
The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, has asked contestants in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State to see exercise as a mere game not do or die affair.
Abubakar said this during the signing of the peace accord by the governorship candidates participating in the election.
The peace pact was initiated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of former Head of State of Nigeria, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu; and those of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede; the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Akeredolu’s Deputy, Agboola Ajayi; and 13 other candidates signed the Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee.
While saying that that election was like a game played by many players on pitch, the Sultan called on all contestants “to shun any form of violence and thuggery so that the election could be free, fair and credible in the state like Edo State governorship election.
“I like to make it clear to all of us as a citizen of this country and for the players who are going to be on the pitch on Saturday to contest for one single seat of governor of Ondo State for the next four years.
“I like to call on you to see the signing of an accord this morning not just as a mere ceremony or formality but a commitment by all of you.
“Let all of us obey the rules of the game. I call it game because election is a game where they must be only one winner, and others who have not won, I won’t call them losers.
“There will only be one winner, and that winner has already been ordained by Almighty God before the vote is even cast. We don’t know who that person is.
“So, as a contestant, tell the citizens of Ondo State what you can’t do and what you will do for them, and their vote must count as INEC has assured us that every vote must count.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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