News
FG Accuses El-Rufai Of Endangering Lives Of Unity School Students
The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the alleged action of Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led government in Kaduna State which it claimed exposes the staff and students of Federal Government College, Malali to security threats.
The Federal Government has also petitioned Governor el-Rufai to the Inspector-General of Police, asking for the deployment of police to protect the students, staff and the properties of the FGC, Malali from the encroachment of the Kaduna State Government.
It has also dragged the Kaduna State Government to court, asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining her (defendant) from committing further acts of trespass on Federal Government College land in the state.
Highly placed government sources told journalists in Abuja, weekend, that the government was worried over the security of students and staff of the FGC as schools resumed for academic studies on Sunday, following the encroachment by the Kaduna State government.
One of the sources privy to the matter, hinted that the letter to the IGP through the Federal Ministry of Education, was to ensure that the students and staff as well as the school properties were protected as the Kaduna State government has already started pulling down some part of the perimeter fence of the unity school.
The letter to the IGP which was sighted by newsmen read: “I wish to bring to your attention an unconscionable action of the Kaduna State Government which not only exposes the staff, students and properties of the Federal Government College, Malali, Kaduna to security threats but is a display of disregard for the rule of law.
“On 18th April, 2023, the Principal of the Federal Government College, Kaduna, forwarded a letter dated 17th April, 2023, received from Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KASUPDA, that the state government has excised the initialised portion of land, within the college premises, towards the stretch of River Kaduna.
“The next day, 18th April, 2023, officials of the KASUPDA, forcefully started bringing down the fences surrounding the college and from 19th April, 2023, started to re-sirvey the land, digging and erecting a fence. As at 22nd April, 2023, eight (8) couches of block have been laid on a stretch of one kilometre.
“The construction of the new perimeter fence, being constructed to delineate the illegally delineated area, is continuing at a frenzied pace and is being guarded by the men and women of a Kaduna State Vigilante Force.
“Students would be resuming from their second term holiday on Sunday, 30th April, 2023 and this unnecessary explosion to such an act will send a wrong message on the adherence of the rule of law in their young minds. Most importantly, this is a case of disregard of the law, especially as the Land Use Act is clear on Federal government properties in states.
“The presence of policemen in the college including and especially the areas where this encroachment is taking place to protect the children and property of the school on resumption on Sunday 30th April, 2023.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dragged the Kaduna State Government to the High Court of Kaduna State.
In the writ of summons, the Federal Government is seeking among others, “A declaration that the claimant through the FGC Kaduna are the rightful owner of all the land comprised in the FGC and including the land at 6bank of River Kaduna.
“A declaration that the FGC, Kaduna be allowed to achieve its mandate in peace as enshrined in the Act establishing it and as provided under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“An order of restoration of the fence pulled down by the defendants to o it’s original status.
“An order of prohibition forbidding the defendants from depriving the claimant the use of all the land granted the college through the claimants in achieving their mandate.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether by to themselves, agents, servants or privies from committing fur6acts of trespass on Federal Government College land Kaduna.”
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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