News
Edo Police Nab 50 Hoodlums …DIG Reads Riot Act In Lagos
Edo State Commissioner of Police David Omojola has confirmed the arrest of more than 50 suspects in connection with the alleged violence and looting during the protest against the removal of fuel subsidy in the state.
Omojola told newsmen in Benin on Wednesday, that investigation into the violence would continue, but that commercial activities in the city had returned to normal.
According to reports, more markets, business centres and petrol stations had opened for business.
However, government offices and banks remain closed, but vehicular traffic and movement of people had improved.
Meanwhile the Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ) has appealed to the Federal Government to create an avenue for dialogue with the organised labour to bring an end to the ongoing industrial crisis.
Labour and civil society organisations began a nationwide strike on Monday following the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government on January 1.
Mr Patrick Emiantor, National Secretary of the party, made the appeal yesterday in Abuja, in an interview with newsmen.
Emiantor said the protest had taken a new dimension in some parts of the country, and cautioned that the situation might degenerate into total breakdown of law and order.
“We are worried and our fear is that by the time the strike is allowed for too long, the present situation may degenerate into violence.”
The party scribe further advised government to implement the withdrawal of the subsidy in stages to ensure that Nigerians did not suffer untold hardship.
According to Emiantor, Nigerians are not used to extreme hardship and the implementation of this kind of policy must be in stages to cushion the pains of the removal of the subsidy.
“The government meant well for the people by initiating this policy but we are still advising that the policy can still prevail if the government will be able to shift ground for now.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), `A’ Department, Mr Azubuko Udah, said yesterday in Lagos that the police would not fail to enforce the law on anyone found threatening the rights of fellow Nigerians.
In an interview with newsmen, Udah warned that anyone caught setting up bonfires on the roads and causing violence would be arrested.
He, however, noted that no one had been arrested for such offences since the commencement of the protests on Monday.
Udah said he had been in the South-West to monitor the protests since Monday, adding that he had been to other states in the geo-political zone and that he was satisfied with the performance of the police.
The DIG also commended Labour leaders and other protesters for conducting themselves responsibly.
Udah, however, called on parents to warn their children and wards against violence to avoid dire consequences.
The DIG also warned police officers and men against reckless use of firearms, saying, “a Policeman is only allowed to use firearm when his life or the lives of others are being threatened.”
Udah, however, warned members of the public against any action that would compel the police to use firearms, stressing that all officers had been briefed on what was expected of them during crises.
The DIG noted that the ongoing protests against the subsidy removal posed a big challenge to the police.
He, however, assured members of the public of adequate security, throughout the period.
On the alleged killing in Lagos on Monday, he said that investigation was still ongoing.
The DIG urged the people not to panic over the alleged threat by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to attack people from a part of the country.
Udah said that the police authorities were already aware of the speculation and had made special security arrangements accordingly.
He, however, advised the people concerned “to be security conscious and to report to the police every strange movement around them.’’
According to reports, the DIG had a closed-door meeting with Commissioners of Police in all the formations in Lagos State, as well as the AIG (Zone 2), to review the protest.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Oil & Energy11 hours ago“PENGASSAN Orders Halt Of Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery
-
Education11 hours ago
Students Eulogises PGSA Leadership Role in RSU dev
-
News12 hours agoNigeria At 65: RSG Holds Special Church Service …Cleric Calls For Peace
-
Niger Delta11 hours agoDelta, Tantita Security Services Inaugurate Classrooms for Inmate Education
-
Sports11 hours agoChelsea Fall At Stamford Bridge
-
Editorial11 hours agoCharge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen
-
Oil & Energy11 hours agoDigital Technology Key To Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Future
-
News11 hours agoDisclose appointment process of INEC chairman, SERAP tells Tinubu