Blog

  • Foundation intervenes in Police, PSC dispute

    Foundation
    By Diana Omueza
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Nigeria Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to settle any differences between them for improved public safety and security.

    Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the foundation, gave the advice in Wednesday in Abuja, calling for constructive dialogue to resolve the differences.

    “Cleen foundation has observed the on-going impasse between the Nigeria Police and the PSC which has unfortunately garnered significant public attention.

    “As an organisation, we are disturbed by this development but we consider it as a family affair.

    “Both institutions play critical roles in maintaining law and order and ensuring the effective administration of police duties in Nigeria.

    “While the police are responsible for the enforcement of law and order, the PSC tasked with oversight and the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police personnel which are pivotal to the country’s security framework,” he said.

    Peter said that unfortunately the face-off seemed to have stemmed from differing interpretations of their respective mandates and jurisdictional boundaries.

    He said that there ought to the need for engagement in constructive dialogue to resolve these differences and to ensure that their actions became aligned with the broader goal of public safety and service efficiency.

    According to him, the resolution of this dispute is crucial for maintaining the integrity of country’s law enforcement system and for

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to also intervene and resolve the issue by giving an executive order clearly stating the responsibilities of both institutes.

    “We particularly call on the president to intervene on this matter in line with the policy direction of coordination, collaboration and coordination of agencies of government,” he said.

    Peter also recommended an independent review of the circumstances leading to the alleged recruitment challenges.

    This review, he said, should involve key stakeholders and be guided by clear and unbiased criteria.

    He urged the security stakeholders and observers to also intervene and reinforce the collaboration between the police and the PSC.

    Peter also called for lasting resolutions based on the principles of justice and the rule of law, prioritising the nation’s welfare and public safety.

    He said that the foundation remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the country’s policing system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    DOM/KAY
    ========
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Reps hail Nigeria Armed Forces for successes against insecurity

    Reps hail Nigeria Armed Forces for successes against insecurity

    Success

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has hailed the Nigeria Armed Forces for the remarkable achievements and dedication in various theatre operations across the country.

    Rep. Babajini Benson, the Chairman of the Committee gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the successes recorded in various operations across the country underscored the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our military personnel to safeguard the nation.

    Benson commended the numerous victories against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements that have threatened the peace and security of Nigeria.

    He said that the achievements were a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, who tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

    “The recent successes of our Armed Forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable.

    “These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings.

    “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation,” he added.

    Benson assured the armed forces of the house unwavering support, while reiterating the readiness of the legislative body to provide all necessary resources and support.

    This, he said was to enhance the operational capabilities of the military, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

    According to him, we understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations.

    “We will continue to prioritise the welfare, training, and equipment needs of our troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency,” Benson assured.

    He called on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to national security.

    Benson also urged the citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safer and more secured Nigeria.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/FEO/SH
    ===========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Group seeks funding to enhance supportive learning environment for children

    Education
    By Ibukun Emiola
    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A non-governmental organisation (NGO), YouthInvolve, has called on government to provide funding to enhance supportive learning environment for children in schools.

    The Lead YouthInvolve, Mr Moses Solanke, made the call during a rally to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary Schools I and II, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s Day of the African Child is “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.”

    Solanke stated that an African child was usually viewed from a one-sided lens as an unfortunate child, in poverty and needs, adding however, that “an African child is a bright child full of promises.

    “He is a child let down by his elders and leaders because they rarely give him the opportunity to explore the gifts it has within.

    “Our children are doing well across the world, not only in Africa, to let you know that we have it if only we have the right environment.”

    He urged governments at all levels to put actions into their words on revamping education and invest more, especially in primary education.

    According to him, government can start this by recruiting teachers and provide infrastructure for the basic level.

    Solanke called on Catholic Church, the original owner of St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, before it was taken over by government and the school’s alumni to provide it with supportive learning environment.

    “Though Catholic Church owned the school before it was taken over by government, the church should still be interested in the school as it still bears its name,” Solanke said.

    Head Teachers of schools I and II, Mrs Oluyemi Adesokan and Mrs Mary Owadasa respectively, identified dilapidated fence as one of the greatest challenges of the school.

    They said that the dilapidated fence had opened the school to hoodlums who defecate and urinate on the classrooms, while residents of the area too usually dumped their waste within the premises.

    Adesokan called on kind-hearted individuals to assist the school, adding that government had been doing so much in the education sector and would need support.

    NAN reports that the group distributed bags to the indigent pupils of the school.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Victoria Ibe and Folahan Olajire, expressed appreciation to the group for the gesture, saying it would further help them in their studies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBK/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • India’s Assam flood worsens, death toll rises to 31

    India’s Assam flood worsens, death toll rises to 31

    Floods

    New Delhi, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) The ongoing flood situation in India’s north-eastern state of Assam continues to worsen and so far has claimed 31 lives, officials said on Wednesday.

    According to police on Tuesday night, a landslide triggered by rains killed five people, including a minor, in the Badarpur area of Karimganj district about 281 km southeast of Guwahati, the main city of Assam.

    Officials said the victims were identified as a 55-year-old woman and her three daughters aged 18, 16 and 11.

    The body of a three-year-old baby boy was also retrieved from the debris.

    Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said the floods have affected a population of 161,209 in 15 districts batting the inundation.

    Karimganj is the worst affected district with 152,133 people reeling under floodwaters.

    It has also affected a crop area of 1,378.64 hectares in the affected districts.

    “Currently, 470 villages across 28 revenue circles are submerged in water,’’ ASDMA said.

    The local government has opened 43 relief camps and distribution centres in the affected areas and the majority of them have been set up in Karimganj.

    Officials said the relief efforts were underway, with 5,114 people taking shelter in 43 relief camps.

    Officials said the extent of damage to infrastructure, including embankments, roads and bridges, has added to the difficulties in providing aid and assistance to the affected population.

    The flooding hit the twin states of Assam and Manipur following heavy rains in the aftermath of cyclone Remal which made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh last month. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Torrential rains kill 11 in Abidjan

    Torrential rains kill 11 in Abidjan
    Rain
    Abidjan, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) No fewer than 11 people were killed in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire’s economic capital in torrential rains a week ago, authorities said.
    “The provisional report shows 11 victims dead and identified, several others not yet identified and seven injured noted and taken into account,” said Mysss Belmonde Dogo, the minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty.
    The provisional toll “is already heavy,” he said, adding that the government is mobilising resources to provide support to the affected families next week.
    Between Thursday and Saturday, torrential rains fell on several localities in Cote d’Ivoire, including Abidjan, where several neighborhoods were under water, over 300 people were taken to safety and 18 others were evacuated to health centers.
    Cote d’Ivoire has been experiencing a long rainy season this year, with the peak in June, according to local media reports. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/EAL
    =====
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Ekemini Ladejobi
  • Ukrainian drone attack causes fire at oil depot in Russia

    Ukrainian drone attack causes fire at oil depot in Russia

    Attack

    Moscow, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) A Ukrainian drone attack has on Wednesday caused a fire at an oil depot in Azov in the Rostov region of Russia, regional emergency services were reported by local media as saying.

    Governor of Rostov region Vasily Golubev, said earlier via his Telegram channel that storage tanks containing oil products in Azov ignited following a drone attack.

    Initial reports suggest that no casualties have been reported.

    The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, said that approximately 200 personnel and 49 units of equipment were deployed to extinguish the blaze in the storage tank.

    This has a total capacity of 4,000 cubic meters.

    The fire was contained in an area of 3,200 square meters.

    Four Ukrainian combat drones were reportedly involved in the attack on the oil depot. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
    =========

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

  • Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet

    Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet

    Resingnation

    Manila, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday tendered her resignation as secretary of the Department of Education, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

    In a statement, Garafil said Duterte tendered her resignation as a member of the Cabinet during a visit to the presidential palace on Wednesday afternoon.

    “She declined to give a reason why. She will continue to serve as vice president.

    “We thank her for her service,’’ Garafil said.

    Garafil told reporters that Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has accepted Duterte’s resignation. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

  • Ramaphosa takes oath of office for 2nd term as South African president

    Ramaphosa takes oath of office for 2nd term as South African president
    Oath
    Johannesburg, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), took oath as the nation’s president for the next five years on Wednesday at Pretoria, the administrative capital.
    Ramaphosa, 71, was re-elected as South African president by the National Assembly on June 14 with 283 votes against the other nominee, Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 44 votes.
    Under the South African Constitution, once elected as president by the National Assembly, the president-elect must assume office within five days.
    In the general elections on May 29, the ANC secured 159 out of the 400 seats in the National Assembly.
    This is the first time the ANC is falling below the 50 per cent needed to maintain its 30-year-old outright majority in the lower house of parliament. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/SH
    =======
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Sadiya Hamza
  • Court dismisses fleeing Anjarwalla’s suit against NSA, EFCC

    Court dismisses fleeing Anjarwalla’s suit against NSA, EFCC

    Order

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by fleeing Binance Holdings Ltd’s executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, against the National Security Adviser and EFCC.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, dismissed the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

    When the case was called, no lawyer appeared for Anjarwalla and neither was the applicant in court.

    In a short ruling, Justice Ekwo noted that on March 28 when the matter came up, Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, who appeared for Anjarwalla sought a leave to withdraw his appearance in the matter and the application was granted.

    He said the matter was adjourned until today for mention but no lawyer appeared for the applicant.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anjarwalla, the Binance’s Africa regional manager, had filed a separate right enforcement suit alongside his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, against NSA and EFCC seeking an order releasing them from detention.

    However, Anjarwalla escaped from lawful custody on March 22 and fled to Kenya.

    Anjarwalla and Gambaryan’s suits were filed before Justice Ekwo.

    In the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 respectively, the duo sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    They had sought same reliefs.

    Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, in their separate applications, sought a declaration that their detention and seizure of their international travel passport, contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

    They said the act amounted to a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution, among others.

    Meanwhile, Justice Ekwo fixed July 9 for hearing of Gambaryan’s suit.

    The judge fixed the date after Gambaryan’s lawyer, Krukrubo, moved a motion seeking to amend their originating process.

    Although EFCC’s lawyer, Olarewanju Adeola, opposed the motion, the judge held that parties, by law, were entitled to amend their processes before judgment.

    “I am minded to grant this amendment,” he said.

    However, Gambaryan was fined a N50, 000 cost in favour of the EFCC, having joined issues in the matter.

    Justice Ekwo, who held that the fine must be paid before the next adjourned date, fixed July 9 for hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    ========

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Tinubu congratulates Delta governor Oborevwori on birthday

    Tinubu congratulates Delta governor Oborevwori on birthday

    Congratulation

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on his birthday.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday, that President Tinubu joined family, friends, and the people of Delta  to celebrate Oborevwori on this special occasion.

    “The President commends the governor for his pursuit of development-focused governance, particularly his prioritisation of education as a means of addressing fundamental societal challenges.

    “The President wishes Oborevwori good health and renewed strength in the service of Delta,” it noted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/YGA

    =======

    Edited by Gabriel Yough