Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) a public procurement advocacy group has urged President Bola Tinubu to be impatial in the face of massive corruption allegations rocking the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), insisting that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu should equally be suspended and investigated just as NSIP CEO, Mrs Halima Shehu was treated.

A section of the media has reported how the Minister of Humanitarian Affiars and Poverty Alleviation through a memo dated 20th December, 2023 with reference number fmhapa/hq/ohm/s.208 directed the Accountant General of the Federation to make payments of N585,189,500 into a private UBA account 2003682151 belonging to one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

In a statement signed and released to the press in Abuja on Saturday through its head of office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi, NEFGAD said ‘’the recent development in the Humanitarian office has provided president Tinubu a golden opportunity to tell Nigerians and the whole world that he is ready and willing to tackle corruption in a fair, just and impartial manner by also applying same disciplinary measure (suspension) metted on NSIP CEO, Mrs Halima Shehu on the Minister for Humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs Beta Edu’’

Akingunola noted that ‘’apart from the fact that Dr. Edu and Mrs. Halima Shehu are from different geographical divide of the country, the tendency and pattern of the allegations involving the duo are too identical and should not have attracted diffrent approaches and measures in dealing with them by the president.

‘’Directing payment of public fund into private account by a public officer is a serious procurent and fiscal malfeasance that attracts serious penalty under extant laws, regulations and rules including the public procurement, Fiscal Responsibility, Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences (ICPC), Code of Conduct Acts and the Anti-mobey Laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act.

Akingunola further stated that the Minister has serious questions to answer by Instructing payment of public fund into private accounts other than that of a legal entity who have duly participated in a competitive selection process and or are direct beneficiaries of a conditional grant scheme (in the case of vulnerable people as captured in the Ministry’s mandate).

The act depicts pure nepotism, favouritism, undue advantage conferment and criminal diversion, he averred. Hence, the group implored president Bola Tinubu to direct the suspension of the Dr. Beta Edu for thorough investigation by relevant anticorruption agencies with immediate effect failure which may call for massive advocacy and court action.
NSCDC to Educate Students on Addressing Security Threats

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has concluded plans to educate and enlighten school children on identifying potential threats and criminal elements that can cause them any harm within and outside their school premises.

The new Commander of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre ( NSSRCC); Commandant Hammed Abodunrin said thatNSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure with schools and institutions inclusive; all hands must be on deck in ensuring that school children are safe both at the learning environment and in their respective domain.

He noted that having served as the Ondo and Ogun State Commandant; he is fully aware of the enormous responsibility attached to his new appointment.

He further pointed out that the school children and their teachers would be properly sensitized and enlightened so that they would be able to detect imminent dangers and take necessary actions to avoid being victims.

Abodurin said: “The best form of security is the one you provide for yourselves and it requires a collective effort to empower and educate the school children regardless of their ages on the need to protect themselves and also to be able to identify potential danger when they see one.”

The New NSSRCC Commander appreciated the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, for giving him a great opportunity to serve adding that the CG as a resourceful and exemplary leader has truly repositioned the Corps for better efficiency and performance.

He said: “the Commandant General hit the ground running when he came on board in 2021 and has brought lots of unprecedented transformation to the NSCDC and till date, he is not tired.

” As a formidable and focused leader, the CG has set a great standard and we must all key into his excellent and impactful agenda.”

Abodurin commended the outgoing Commander of the NSSRCC for his relentless efforts and the successful implementation of various programmes during his tenure of office.

In his address, the outgoing Commander; CSC Tersoo Shaapera acknowledged the enormous challenges that came with the appointment ab initio most especially as a pioneer commander of such a laudable and multitasking project; he however appreciated the team that he worked with assuring the new Commander of a fantastic working relationship.

The National Safe School Response Coordination Centre( NSSRCC) was established on the 13th of February 2023 for the sake of advocacy, sensitisation and capacity building regarding the Federal government’s Safe School Initiative Project and it is domiciled at the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja. Efforts are ongoing to establish the centre in all states and local governments of the federation.
NDLEA Arrests female bandits’ supplier with cache of ammunition
Intercepts Colos consignment in boxing kits on New Year day

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on New Year day, Monday 1st January 2024 intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos a consignment of Colorado, a very strong strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States of America.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said a weeklong intelligence-led operation to get the receiver arrested was consummated last Saturday following the successful tracking and arrest of 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Olakunle who distributes the dangerous psychoactive substance to dealers across Lagos state.

Babafemi said the consignment had arrived the country last Monday via Cairo on Egypt Airlines flight marked as boxing kits.

Olakunle during interrogation, disclosed that he has been delivering such consignments to different recipients whenever his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami sent them. The latest shipment has a total weight of 1.8 kilogrammes.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old female supplier of ammunition to bandits, Bilkisu Suleiman came top on the list of 12 other suspects arrested by NDLEA operatives in new year interdiction operations in Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun states.

Suleiman, according to the statement, was arrested last Wednesday by NDLEA officers on patrol along Zaria – Kano expressway in possession of 249 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition concealed in a black nylon bag kept in her lady’s handbag.

She was on her way to deliver the ammunition to an identified bandit in Kakumi village, Katsina state when she was nabbed after which she was transferred to the Kaduna state command of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

The military authorities at the Bonny camp cantonment in Lagos last Tuesday transferred a suspect, Francis Suru, 37 and 63 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,104.2 kilogrammes and a truck to the Lagos state command of NDLEA.

Babafemi said the suspect and the drug exhibits were earlier intercepted by NDLEA officers on 12th December 2023 close to the gate of the military cantonment in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island.

According to him, some armed escorts resorted to sporadic shooting to obstruct the operation, a development which attracted soldiers from the cantonment, who eventually intervened and took custody of the consignment and suspect before transferring them to the agency.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Niger state last Thursday during a stop and search operation along Suleja-Kaduna road intercepted a J5 bus coming from Ondo state to Zaria, Kaduna state with 23 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 219.5 kilogrammes. Two suspects: Umar Musa, 26 and Isachiru Abubakar were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Babafemi also disclosed that a female drug trafficker, Queen Onyema, 27, was arrested on Saturday 6th January in a commercial bus enroute Abuja along Okene-Lokoja expressway with 12 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 4.6 kilogrammes and 0.046 kilogrammes designer drugs concealed in an indomie carton, another suspect Mubarak Sani, 20, was nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano last Monday with 445.9 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance.

In Borno, four suspects: Zanna Alhaji Dala, 32; Musa Umar, 21; Mushe Ibrahim, 23, and Shehu Idris, 19 were arrested at Pomponari bye pass area of the state with 60 kilogrammes cannabis.

Also, in Osun, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Osogbo-Ode Omu road on new year day, intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs sent through waybill from Lagos to Osogbo. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Ibrahim Olawale, 43. The drugs recovered include: cannabis sativa 10.8 kilogrammes; Loud 150 grammes; Colorado 19 grammes; Molly 5 grammes totalling 10.974 kilogrammes. A digital scale, N18,000 monetary exhibit and customized wrapping papers for Colorado were also seized.

Babafemi said NDLEA Commands across the 36 states and the FCT equally continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation lectures in schools, communities, work places and others.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the arrests and seizures of the past week by officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun Commands, charged them and their compatriots across all formations of the agency to continue to remain vigilant and double their drug demand reduction as well as drug supply reduction efforts in the new year.

A United Nations flagship economic report has raised an alarm that protracted period of low growth looms large, and could undermine progress on sustainable development.

According to the report released on Friday, weakening global trade, high borrowing costs, elevated public debt, persistently low investment, and mounting geopolitical tensions put global growth at risk.

The global economic growth is projected to slow from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 2.4 per cent in 2024, trending below the pre-pandemic growth rate of 3.0 per cent, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024, launched on Friday.

This latest forecast comes on the heels of global economic performance exceeding expectations in 2023. However, last year’s stronger-than-expected GDP growth masked short-term risks and structural vulnerabilities, according to the report.

The UN’s flagship economic report presents a sombre economic outlook for the near term. Persistently high interest rates, further escalation of conflicts, sluggish international trade, and increasing climate disasters, pose significant challenges to global growth.

The report stated that the prospects of a prolonged period of tighter credit conditions and higher borrowing costs present strong headwinds for a world economy saddled with debt, while in need of more investments to resuscitate growth, fight climate change and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reacting to the report, the United Nations Secretary- General, António Guterres, said: “2024 must be the year when we break out of this quagmire. By unlocking big, bold investments we can drive sustainable development and climate action, and put the global economy on a stronger growth path for all,” adding that:
“We must build on the progress made in the past year towards an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in affordable long-term financing for investments in sustainable development and climate action.”

The report stated that growth in several large, developed economies, especially the United States, is projected to decelerate in 2024 given high interest rates, slowing consumer spending and weaker labour markets. The short-term growth prospects for many developing countries – particularly in East Asia, Western Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean – are also deteriorating because of tighter financial conditions, shrinking fiscal space and sluggish external demand.

Low-income and vulnerable economies are facing increasing balance-of-payments pressures and debt sustainability risks. Economic prospects for small island developing States, in particular, will be constrained by heavy debt burdens, high interest rates and increasing climate-related vulnerabilities, which threaten to undermine, and in some cases, even reverse gains made on the SDGs, according to the report.

The report further showed that global inflation is projected to decline further, from an estimated 5.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent in 2024. Price pressures are, however, still elevated in many countries and any further escalation of geopolitical conflicts risks renewed increases in inflation.

In about a quarter of all developing countries, annual inflation is projected to exceed 10 per cent in 2024, the report highlighted, showing that since January 2021, consumer prices in developing economies have increased by a cumulative 21.1 per cent, significantly eroding the economic gains made following the COVID-19 recovery. Amid supply-side disruptions, conflicts and extreme weather events, local food price inflation remained high in many developing economies, disproportionately affecting the poorest households.

“Persistently high inflation has further set back progress in poverty eradication, with especially severe impacts in the least developed countries,” said United Nations Under- Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua,.

He said: “It is absolutely imperative that we strengthen global cooperation and the multilateral trading system, reform development finance, address debt challenges and scale up climate financing to help vulnerable countries accelerate towards a path of sustainable and inclusive growth.”

According to the report, the global labour markets have seen an uneven recovery from the pandemic crisis. In developed economies, labour markets have remained resilient despite a slowdown in growth. However, in many developing countries, particularly in Western Asia and Africa, key employment indicators, including unemployment rates, are yet to return to pre- pandemic levels. The global gender employment gap remains high, and gender pay gaps not only persist but have even widened in some occupations.
Stronger international cooperation needed to stimulate growth and promote green transition.

It advised that Governments will need to avoid self-defeating fiscal consolidations and expand fiscal support to stimulate growth at a time when global monetary conditions will remain tight, adding that Central banks around the world continue to face difficult trade-offs in striking a balance between inflation, growth and financial stability objectives. Developing country central banks, in particular, will need to deploy a broad range of macroeconomic and macroprudential policy tools to minimize the adverse spillover effects of monetary tightening in developed economies.

Furthermore, the report emphasized that robust and effective global cooperation initiatives are urgently needed to avoid debt crises and provide adequate financing to developing countries. Low-income countries and middle-income countries with vulnerable fiscal situations need debt relief and debt restructuring to avoid a protracted cycle of weak investment, slow growth and high debt-servicing burdens.

It added that in addition, global climate finance must be massively scaled up. Reducing – and eventually eliminating – fossil fuel subsidies, following through on international financing commitments, such as the $100 billion pledge to support developing countries, and promoting technology transfer are critical for strengthening climate action worldwide. It also underscores the ever- increasing role of industrial policies to bolster innovation and productive capacity, build resilience and accelerate a green transition.

Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation, has commended the Nigerian government for ensuring the free passage of one of its senior staff, Joel Onyeke, serving in the war torn Gaza.

The organisation particularly made mentioned of the contribution of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the swift and safe passage of the said personnel.

Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps Tjada D’ oyen McKenna in an appreciation letter to the minister thanked him for his prompt and professional response to their distress call.

“We want to thank you sincerely for your attention and swift action after our recent request for your advocacy and assistance in facilitating the safe passage of our team member, Mr. Joel Onyeke out of Gaza.

“After three harrowing weeks in a United Nations Development Programme bunker, on November 1st Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by November 3rd he was reunited with his family in Abuja.”

Onyeke, a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was the only foreign national team member employed in Gaza.

Mercy Corps also thanked the Federal Government for the support while stressing on the need for a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza as well as for the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza.

McKenna said: “There is more work to be done to ensure the safety of all citizens in Palestine and Israel.

“We are hopeful for an end to this crises soon so that communities can begin to rebuild, humanitarian actors can continue to work for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”

Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has reiterated its profound joy and appreciation to the federal government for establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

A press statement signed by the National President of the association, Hon. Khalil Bello read that the pastoral communities of the Northeast were initially filled with great enthusiasm and hope upon the establishment of the NEDC. They were led to believe that the commission was established with the specific purpose of reconstructing the region after the devastating impact of Boko Haram activities, providing support to vulnerable and internally displaced individuals, and revitalizing communities that have suffered tremendously from these tragic events.

The statement read that: “The pastoralists’ highest excitement was innocently based on these promises, and they celebrated the establishment of the NEDC with the anticipation of much-needed assistance.

“However, KACRAN has been disheartened to find that, despite the high regard in which they hold the members of the NEDC’s governing board, the pastoralists’interests seem to have been overlooked as the commission commenced its operations. It has become apparent that the focus of the NEDC’s efforts has been on the urban centers and refugee camps, which are more visible to the presidency and the international community, rather than on the rural areas and villages that have been severely impacted by the aforementioned calamities.

“Representing a significant number of pastoralists who have been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency and cattle rustling, KACRAN has voiced its grievances and concerns to the NEDC and the presidency through national media outlets, including print, electronic, and social platforms.

“KACRAN’s primary concerns include the marginalization and neglect by the Commission, the dire need for access to potable water for both people and livestock, the provision of animal feed during the dry season, inclusion in the periodic distribution of relief materials, and the integration of its members’ urgent needs into the Commission’s policies and programmes, including annual budget allocations.”

The statement added that: “It is encouraging to note that during a meeting facilitated by the NEDC Head of Operation at the Oasis Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State, KACRAN was assured that the commission would attentively consider its valid concerns and act accordingly.This meeting, followed by the distribution of relief materials to our communities, fortified their optimism that the NEDC would indeed address their critical needs, such as the provision of potable water.

“Regrettably, till the NEDC’s first tenure drew to a close, these assurances have yet to be fully realized. KACRAN remains hopeful and prays earnestly for the fulfillment of these commitments.

“KACRAN calls upon the NEDC to uphold the principles of justice and equity and to ensure that the pastoralists of the Northeast are not forgotten but are actively included in the region’s recovery and development efforts.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned all government Ministries , Agencies, Embassies and High Commissions as well as Diaspora groups to beware of phoney groups with apparent sinister and political ulterior motives, parading as authentic diaspora group.

A statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday in Abuja specifically mentioned a group, Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF) who claimed it has established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He alleged that the so-called Forum, “an arm of Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group , is not even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.”

Balogun said: “We are aware that all registered political parties including the ruling party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, etc have diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion their party ideals.

“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.

“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public , ministries, departments and agencies, embassies, high commissions as well as state and local governments.

“We hereby advise all government agencies at both the federal and state levels as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with NIDCOM the status of such groups as NIDCOM has a data base of all registered diaspora groups.”

Balogun added that: “NIDCOM is using this opportunity to also remind all that States have diaspora focal persons who are readily available to handle issues relating to their diaspora.

“NIDCOM is the only Commission mandated by an act of the Parliament to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, in the last four years.

“It has been, and will continue to fulfill its mandate, while also working with genuine Nigerian diaspora groups, associations and individuals.”
KACRAN Reiterates Appreciation For Establishment of NEDC, Advocates Equity and Justice for Pastoralists

Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has reiterated its profound joy and appreciation to the federal government for establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

A press statement signed by the National President of the association, Hon. Khalil Bello read that the pastoral communities of the Northeast were initially filled with great enthusiasm and hope upon the establishment of the NEDC. They were led to believe that the commission was established with the specific purpose of reconstructing the region after the devastating impact of Boko Haram activities, providing support to vulnerable and internally displaced individuals, and revitalizing communities that have suffered tremendously from these tragic events.

The statement read that: “The pastoralists’ highest excitement was innocently based on these promises, and they celebrated the establishment of the NEDC with the anticipation of much-needed assistance.

“However, KACRAN has been disheartened to find that, despite the high regard in which they hold the members of the NEDC’s governing board, the pastoralists’interests seem to have been overlooked as the commission commenced its operations. It has become apparent that the focus of the NEDC’s efforts has been on the urban centers and refugee camps, which are more visible to the presidency and the international community, rather than on the rural areas and villages that have been severely impacted by the aforementioned calamities.

“Representing a significant number of pastoralists who have been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency and cattle rustling, KACRAN has voiced its grievances and concerns to the NEDC and the presidency through national media outlets, including print, electronic, and social platforms.

“KACRAN’s primary concerns include the marginalization and neglect by the Commission, the dire need for access to potable water for both people and livestock, the provision of animal feed during the dry season, inclusion in the periodic distribution of relief materials, and the integration of its members’ urgent needs into the Commission’s policies and programmes, including annual budget allocations.”

The statement added that: “It is encouraging to note that during a meeting facilitated by the NEDC Head of Operation at the Oasis Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State, KACRAN was assured that the commission would attentively consider its valid concerns and act accordingly.This meeting, followed by the distribution of relief materials to our communities, fortified their optimism that the NEDC would indeed address their critical needs, such as the provision of potable water.

“Regrettably, till the NEDC’s first tenure drew to a close, these assurances have yet to be fully realized. KACRAN remains hopeful and prays earnestly for the fulfillment of these commitments.

“KACRAN calls upon the NEDC to uphold the principles of justice and equity and to ensure that the pastoralists of the Northeast are not forgotten but are actively included in the region’s recovery and development efforts.”
NGO Commends Nigerian government intervention in getting staff from war-torn Gaza

Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation, has commended the Nigerian government for ensuring the free passage of one of its senior staff, Joel Onyeke, serving in the war torn Gaza.

The organisation particularly made mentioned of the contribution of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the swift and safe passage of the said personnel.

Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps Tjada D’ oyen McKenna in an appreciation letter to the minister thanked him for his prompt and professional response to their distress call.

“We want to thank you sincerely for your attention and swift action after our recent request for your advocacy and assistance in facilitating the safe passage of our team member, Mr. Joel Onyeke out of Gaza.

“After three harrowing weeks in a United Nations Development Programme bunker, on November 1st Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by November 3rd he was reunited with his family in Abuja.”

Onyeke, a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was the only foreign national team member employed in Gaza.

Mercy Corps also thanked the Federal Government for the support while stressing on the need for a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza as well as for the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza.

McKenna said: “There is more work to be done to ensure the safety of all citizens in Palestine and Israel.

“We are hopeful for an end to this crises soon so that communities can begin to rebuild, humanitarian actors can continue to work for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Amobi, and one other, Uchegbu Obi with consignments of psychoactive substances.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said while Amobi was arrested last Saturday at the departure point of Terminal 2 of the MMIA on his way to Doha, Qatar on a Qatar Airways flight, Obi was taken into custody same day following the seizure of a consignment of 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, which he attempted shipping to Kano on a local flight.

According to Babafemi, Amobi who claimed he has been living and working in Doha, Qatar for over 10 years was caught with 1.3 kilogrammes cannabis sativa concealed in a bag of foodstuff. He claimed he bought the substance in Enugu to deliver in Doha to enable him raise enough funds to pay his rents in Doha and Nigeria and school fees of his three children.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the domestic wing of the airport intercepted
a carton containing a total of 72,000 pills of tramadol 250mg with a gross weight of 38.5 kilogrammes. This was closely followed with the arrest of Uchegbu Obi who brought the consignment to the airport for shipment to Kano.

On Christmas day 25th December in Yobe state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Nguru-Gashua road intercepted the trio of Musa Sani, Mohammed Ibrahim and Adamu Usman in a truck conveying 39 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 15.7 kilogrammes and 128,500 pills of opioids.

According to Babafemi, follow up operations the following day 26th December led to the arrest of the actual owner of the cannabis consignment, Ali Ibrahim (a.k.a Ramos) in Geidam where additional 208 blocks of the same substance were recovered from his house, bringing the total to 247 blocks weighing 94.74 kilogrammes, while the owner of the seized opioids, Mustapha Goni (a.k.a Lolo) was equally arrested.

In Imo state, NDLEA operatives on Christmas eve, while on patrol along Owerri – Onitsha expressway intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, with 400 bottles of codeine syrup; 7,590 pills of opioids including tramadol 225mg heading to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
While David Michael, 52, was arrested at Unguwa Ukku area of Kano on Sunday 24th December with 49 blocks of cannabis weighing 42.6 kilogrammes, Umar Abdullahi, 27, was nabbed with 27,350 pills of opioids at Gadar Tamburawa area of the city same day.

A 45-year-old Yusuf Yahaya was arrested same Christmas eve along Lagos-Ilorin expressway with 31 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis in a commercial bus coming from Ibadan, Oyo state to Kebbi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that he supplies illicit drugs to bandits in Kebbi and Zamfara axis.

Babafemi said the NDLEA Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has tasked officers and men of the agency nationwide not to rest on the achievements of 2023 but continue to raise the bar in their offensive action against drug barons and cartels with an equal intensive WADA advocacy campaigns in the new year.

He took the occasion to wish all officers and men as well as their families, stakeholders and the general public a rewarding and fulfilling new year.

In a ceremonial event held at the Lieutenant General F Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt Barracks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General JH Abdussalam, urged the recently promoted senior officers to embrace the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, as they assume their elevated roles.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the occasion marked the decoration ceremony for five Colonels who were promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals in the recently released promotions for the year 2023.
Addressing the newly decorated officers, Major General Abdussalam underscored the significance of aligning with the COAS Command Philosophy, emphasizing the principles of sound administration focused on the welfare, training, and motivation of troops. He asserted that such alignment is imperative for effective command responsibility and successful task accomplishment, further highlighting the pivotal role of troop welfare in the command structure.
Congratulating the newly promoted Generals, Major General Abdussalam urged them to reflect on the honor bestowed upon them and encouraged a deep understanding of the COAS Command Philosophy. He stressed the importance of core values, such as patience, hard work, dedication, loyalty, and humility, not just as officers but as essential elements of humanity.
Expressing gratitude for the promotion, Major General Jamal commended the grace of God that made the ceremony possible, affirming that the new ranks were well deserved. He charged the officers to dedicate themselves to their added responsibilities, emphasizing that the rank of General demands nothing but the best.
Major General Abdussalam highlighted the strategic role of the 6 Division in safeguarding the Niger Delta region, with a primary focus on ensuring the continuous increase in oil production to meet and exceed national expectations. He emphasized the Division’s critical role in enabling the Federal Government to fulfill its duties to citizens.
During the event, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, Chief of Staff, 6 Division, and Brigadier Sanusi Aliyu, Commander, 63 Brigade, conveyed goodwill messages, congratulating the newly promoted officers on their achievements. They welcomed the officers to the rank of Generals, acknowledging their familiarity with the duties expected of them based on their current appointments. Both officers encouraged the newly promoted Generals to earn the trust of their subordinates and emphasized the importance of mentorship.
Brigadier General Chiedozie Amorha, speaking on behalf of the newly decorated Generals, expressed gratitude to the COAS for recognizing their worthiness for promotion. He also thanked the GOC for creating an enabling environment for their service and appreciated other senior officers for their support.
The officers who benefitted from the promotions under the 6 Division include Brigadier Generals Chiedozie Amorha, Adamu Kitchener, Kingsley Inyang, Effiong Nse, and Ibrahim Gambari.

As the search for a new Deputy Governor for Ondo State is ongoing, a group, Ondo state Positive Thinkers on Friday urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to seek for an experience hand that would help him stabilise the state.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in as the governor of the state following the demise of Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu who lost the battle against prostrate cancer on Wednesday morning.

The governor had been reported to have started consultations across the state and outside the state.

He was in Lagos on Thursday where he had a close door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Though, he has promised the president to mobilise all stakeholders in his domain to move the state forward, the group said the governor would however need to achieve this by the calibre of choices he made first hid Deputy Governor and also members of his Executive Cabinet.

The group in a statement signed by its President, Balogun Bodeola and made available to journalists in Abuja stressed, that “the challenge before Aiyedatiwa right now is how to reconcile the already fractured state following the political crisis that engulfed the state in the last three months or also.

“We therefore call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to avoid picking a deputy that would not add value to governance in the state.

“Mr. Governor needs a deputy that understands the political dynamics in the state and also a political stabilizer, a bridge builder that would help rebuild the already broken bridges in the state.

“Though some names have been thrown up and also behind the scene lobbying have been ongoing, we feel that the governor needs a grassroot politician who would help him settle down to work and also humble enough to help Mr. Governor galvernise the people of the state behind him.

“In this wise, we want to suggest Hon. Victor Olabimtan who is not new to the Akeredolu-Aiyedatiwa camp.

“The 66 years old graduate of History, University of Lagos, is currently the Executive Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board since 2022, hails from Supare-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“Olabimtan was the Director General for Akete in 2016 and he also played the same role during Akete re-election in 2020.

“A former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and one time governorahip aspirant, Olabimtan has political contact across the state, which puts him in a better position to help the governor reconcile the already divided state.

“Olabitan, an astute politician and a grassroot mobiliser is the kind of person that the governor needs right now to help stabilise the state because of his reach and contacts.

“As a group seeking the best for Mr. Governor and the state, we believe that Olabimtan would be a political asset.

“With his experience and contact, we are rest assured that he would help the governor to quickly settle down in office. “

A coalition of peace groups under the aegis of Africans Against Conflict For Peace has criticized Senator Ali Ndume’s position calling for an end to the sanctions on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

It would be recalled that ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had placed economic sanctions and travel bans on Niger following the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.

The sanctions have been variously condemned by Senator Ali Ndume, a Nigerian senator who is also in the ECOWAS Parliament.

Ndume had called for the ending of the sanctions, insisting that it was illegal and against the interest of generalities of people of troubled Niger Republic even as he claimed that the sanctions have equally adversely affected people of neighbouring towns to Niger whose businesses, he said have been put on hold.

In a reaction to Ndume’s criticism, a coalition led by Dr Jibrilla Gwadabe, the convener, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, asserted that Senator Ndume was ill informed going by his position in the press against the sanction of the Nigerien military junta by ECOWAS.

Gwadabe said: “Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume does not understand the concept of coercive diplomacy, his constituency is the greatest beneficiary of the misfortune of terrorism that has led to the loss of thousands of lives and property more than anywhere else in the North East of Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.

“The Military in Niger have now turned their attention to governance which is not their forte and have left their flanks open. Which is detrimental to the people that Ndume represents. Ndume should note that continued military rule in Niger will continue to increase challenges of insecurity and instability in the region that has already been engendered by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, as well as recent attempts at unconstitutional Changes of Government”

Gwadabe added that: “ECOWAS is not at fault here, Niger Republic is also a signatory to the protocol that allows for the protection of civil constitutional rule. The truth Ndume has refused to mention is that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are concerned over the dire humanitarian situation in the region and have noted its impact on education, livelihood and wellbeing of Nigeriens, especially children and women.

He explained that: “The ECOWAS Commission has already approved the provision of resources and support to the population to address the serious humanitarian situations in the region,” noting that: “It will be recalled too, that worsening humanitarian situation was exacerbated by the junta’s blockade of much needed humanitarian assistance from United Nations agencies.”

He however advised Senator Ndume to rather assert more efforts in calling for the release of Bazoum and an expedited transition to constitutional rule rather than laying blames at the wrong place.

He said the ECOWAS Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserve much praise and support not condemnation.

The infield surveillance workers from OML30 cluster 5,6,,8 and 9 area B, at the weekend staged a peaceful protest over infield covert surveillance contract won by CMD LTD, an indigenous contractors from Oleh community Oml 30, an unlawful act by Heritage energy operational services limited (HEOSL) to manipulate an indigenous contractors.

The workers in their numbers blocked the entrance of Heritage energy operational services limited Field logistics Base (FLB) Oleh, chanting songs of Manipulation and deprivation with placards having inscription as, “NEPL/Shoreline Order Heritage to release the award letter to CMD LTD An indigenous contractor from Oleh community Cluster 5, OML30”, “Heritage “C&P” Department, “We have not seen were a kick up meeting was held with a winning contractor after two to three weeks, and the same mail was also given to another contractor who is not from Oml 30 AND DID NOT EVEN BID FOR AREA B.

Others are ” NEPL Manager/ shoreline natural resources LTD and Heritage Energy operational services limited,TEZINO NIG LTD is from Oml 26 NOT OML 30″

In line with OML30 “GMOU” Signed by all parties, All surveillance contracts are for indigenous contractors which powered the host communities president General from AREA B ISOKO to recommend host communities Contractors for the infield surveillance contract for the company to select the capable one among them, But the Controversial CDB Board chairman, High Chief Iduh Amadhe and Others Hijacked the contract to a non indigenous contractors from OFAGBE Community OML 26.

Speaking to newsmen, Chief Efe Olunata from Cluster 8 OML30 Otor Owhe community said,
HEOSL sent ITT to only contractors from area A (Urhobo) and B ( Isoko), and the contractors were screened by HESOL, NEPL and Shoreline natural resources LTD, after due Diligence by HEOSL and his JVs partners NEPLand shoreline natural resources LTD.

A Counteroffer with congratulations mail was sent by Chuks from C&P department HESOL to CMD LTD on the 27th of November 2023 who is an indigenous contractors from Oleh community OML 30 To accept HESOL conteroffer for the contract.

Chief Efe Olunata posited that CMD LTD immediately sent an acceptance mail to the HESOL C&P department,C&P department HEOSL also used the same mail to invite CMD LTD management for a kick off meeting with HEOSL security manager at heritage energy operational services limited office Edjeba Warri delta state, which CMD LTD management attended where C&P department Engr chuks introduced CMD LTD to HESOL security manager as the winner of infeild surveillance contract AREA B ISOKO

He noted that CMD LTD preferred former contract staff that have experience,

He further stated that the company’s rules of engagement contradict counteroffer of contract to two contractors for the same contracts.

Chief Efe Olunata added that the infield covert surveillance host community workers for AREA B will resist the double contract counteroffer by C&P department of Heritage energy operational services limited, emphasizing that the JVs partners HEPL and shoreline natural resources LTD should order Heritage energy operational services limited, operators of OML 30 oil firm to resolve their grievance, failure to do so within one week, the company facilities will be shut down in AREA B.

Also speaking, Prince Ogologo Meshach from Uzere cluster 9 OML30 said, on April 2023, HESOL and JVs partners HEPL/Shoreline asked all infield contract staff to leave the field as the former contractor Morma marine owned the workers backlog of salaries, noting that Heritage management promised to engage a competent contractor that will carry all the coordinators and workers along without oweing them

He further stated that letters were sent to HEOSL at Ejeba office, DSS Asaba and NEPL Benin to notify the company over the unlawful act of HEOSL in OML 30 over INFIELD SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT.

On his part, Prince Collins Idama from Cluster 5 Oleh community corroborated saying Vice chairman / CEO CMD LTD who won the contract is from Oleh community Cluster 5, adding that the kick-off meeting was scheduled for 27th of December 2023 as confirmed by the security manager Mr. Hemman of Heritage Energy Operational Services limited.

He further stated that at the kick off meeting with HESOL C&P personnel Engr Chuks and security manager, fixed a meeting to meet with CMD LTD management at their operational office Oleh Isoko south local government area of Delta State on how workers can move to the field to protect every day valving and vandalisation.

Responding DSS Denis Okeh of HEOSL promised to transmit the protest message to Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited management, noting that subsequent copies of protest letters be given to them for early response.

The workers also took the protest to Isoko Development Union secretariat, just as the president general, Prof. Chris Akpotu assured of amicable resolution of by the issues at the ongoing 2023 delegate conference.

By Austen Akhagbeme

It came as a pleasant surprise to many, the way the hitherto smoking swords were put back into their ploughshares, anger dissipated and good or evil machinations abandoned by both parties in the ongoing political slugfest in Rivers state.

The peace which was brokered by President Tinubu after an earlier attempt, has helped to simmer down the turbulent ocean of mischief, hate, anger and political animosity brewing in the oil-rich state, or so it seems.

So many questions are popping up than answers in the aftermath of this brokered peace by President Tinubu.

On which legal ground or constitutional provision does the President stand to broker peace between his appointee and the erstwhile godson and executive governor of Rivers state, Sir Siminilayi Fubara?

Which among the eight points in the reconciliation document favours Fubara directly in the long run?

Where’s the guarantee that there will be sustainable peace between the state executive and the House of Assembly with 25 “unfriendly” members breathing down on the handful rest?

Why does everything look like one party is being rewarded and feared and another berated? What makes Fubara wrong and Wike right?

This type of undemocratic peace-making may make peace-building difficult in the long run, which could lead to another round of chaos. The road after the rift must be seen to be democratic, free and fair with no victors or vanquishers. And this is what the political solution offered by President Tinubu could have helped us to achieve.

It is this perceived lopsidedness of the eight-point resolution that brings in the displayed dissatisfaction of some ethnic chieftains like Chief Edwin Clark, who vehemently call for its rejection.

We must be careful not to slaughter justice on the altar of political expediency.

• Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online, He writes from Abuja.