Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

The Nigerian Army has declared eight persons, including a Professor, wanted

 

They were declared wanted in connection with the killing of 17 Officers and Soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State.

 

The Nigerian Army declared the seven men and one woman wanted on its official X account on Thursday for the March 14, 2024 killing of the Officers and Soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Asaba, the Delta State capital

 

The persons declared wanted were

Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono

 

Professor Ekpekpo Arthur

Andaowei Dennis Bakriki

Igoli Ebi (female)

 

Akata Malawa David

 

Sinclear Oliki

 

Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe

 

Reuben Baru.

 

By AbdulSalam Olalekan Lawal

(Flowerbudnews):  The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to ban foreign trips for senior government officials as a laudable move to check frivolous use of public funds.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Jesutega Onokpasa,the group argued that the decision will have a knock on effect on cost of governance.

It said: “A laudable template has been laid by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for state Governors, who have the interest of the country at heart. Mr. President ‘s decision to stop frivolous foreign trips at tax-payers expense is a welcome development that should have salutary effects on our foreign exchange reserve.

“Hitherto, the economy was managed in a manner suggesting that Nigeria had an inexhaustible foreign exchange reserves, leading to a near collapse of the Naira. “Almost every department of Government was in a race to outspend one another as officials embark on frivolous foreign trips with costly Estacodes (allowance for official trips) for those on such trips.

“Agreements and discussions that should have been handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our embassies abroad became duplicated at all levels. “The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was also treated as if it does not exist, as officials scrambled for scarce foreign exchange to spend abroad. This was a part from the cost of airline tickets for such trips.

“Now, it is becoming a different story with the firm resolve of President Tinubu to bring down the cost of governance. In addition to his recent resolve to implement the Oronsaye report by merging government agencies with overlapping functions, Nigeria is set to save a lot of funds from the gross wastage of the past. This is commendable.”

TMSG also urged the subnationals to take a cue from the President and put a similar structure in place.

“If the 36 state Governors can borrow a leaf from this initiative of Tinubu, it would go a long way to stem the tide of leakages in our finances as well as steady the decline in our foreign reserves.

“Apart from the beneficial effect to our foreign exchange reserves, it will show Nigeria as a serious country in the comity of nations, where the giant of Africa is no longer ready to accept that ‘anything goes.’ “Fiscal discipline is critical for national discipline.

“Since the current democratic experience began in 1999, the fear of the cost of governance has been a major source of worry for many. Today, the monster is being tamed by an administration that is ready to prove that without external intervention Nigeria has what it takes to move the nation forward. This is a welcome development that should be applauded by all,”the group added

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

 

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the federal government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.

 

According to the Minister, Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

 

He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

 

He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

 

While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Tinubu led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, PECC, and the creation of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce, EET.

 

statement issued to State House correspondents on Wednesday by the President’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that the approvals is sequel to a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation.

 

The statement noted that the PECC has President Tinubu as its chairman and Vice President Shettima as its vice chairman.

 

Members of the council include the president of the Nigerian Senate, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

 

Others are Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

 

Other members of the council also include Minister of Power, Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Minister of State (Gas), Minister of Transportation, and Minister of Works.

 

The statement explains that PECC will also comprise key members of the organised private sector, who will serve for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the President’s directive.

 

The incorporated members are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Ms Amina Maina, Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir, Mrs. Funke Okpeke, and Dr. Doyin Salami.

 

Others are Mr Patrick Okigbo, Mr Kola Adesina, Mr Segun Agbaje, Mr Chidi Ajaere, Mr Abdulkadir Aliu, and Mr Rasheed Sarumi.

 

According to the statement, the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce, EET, has the mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan.

 

The taskforce, according to the statement, comprises key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the President’s collaborative approach towards achieving economic resilience and growth.

 

Accordingly, it is mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration.

In a heartfelt gesture of support and solidarity, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday offered scholarships to the children of 17 soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State.

 

Also, he said the Government will provide housing for the families of the military men.

 

Tinubu made the announcement while addressing the military, grieving families, and other sympathisers at the burial ceremony held in Abuja to bid farewell to the fallen heroes.

 

Expressing his deepest condolences to the military, Tinubu said: “I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.

 

We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

 

Eulogises Armed Forces

“To the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you.Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you.

 

“There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love.

 

“We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.

 

“Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.

 

“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.

 

Scholarships, housing

On the compensation for the fallen soldiers, President Tinubu said: “The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

 

The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.

 

“The Military must, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

 

“May the families of the departed and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss. May God grant our heroes eternal rest.”

 

Roll call

In attendance are the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

 

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas are also present.

 

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano) are already seated at the burial site.

 

… March 4

 

Recall that 17 military personnel — comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers — were killed while on a “peacekeeping mission” in the Okuama community on March 14.

 

On March 18, the military authorities released the names and pictures of the 17 soldiers.

 

Below are the names of the dead soldiers

 

AH Ali Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion)

SD Shafa Major

DE Obi Major

U. Zakari Captain

Yahaya Saidu Staff Sergeant

6. Yahaya Danbaba Corporal

 

Kabiru Bashir Corporal

Bulus Haruna Lance Corporal

Sole Opeyemi Lance Corporal

Bello Anas Lance Corporal

Hamman Peter Lance Corporal

Ibrahim Abdullahi Lance Corporal

Alhaji Isah Private

Clement Francis Private

Abubakar Ali Private

Ibrahim Adamu Private

Adamu Ibrahim Private

A Chinese man identified as Quandong Geng has bagged a death sentence for killing his girlfriend Ummulkusum Sani Buhari also known as Ummita.

Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji of the Kano state high court delivered the judgement in a landmark ruling on Tuesday.

The incident occurred in September 2022 when Geng fatally stabbed Ummita during a heated argument at her residence in Kano.

 

Following his escape from the scene, Geng was arrested by the police and charged to court with murder.

 

 

During the proceedings, Geng revealed his why he killed the lady, saying he was heartbroken over Ummita’s decision to marry another man after he had invested in their relationship, including extravagant wedding preparations and financial support totaling millions of naira.

“I went to Sokoto to see her family members where I spent N700,000.

“On the 13th September 2022, she requested some money to be used in the house she is building in Abuja but I didn’t give her because I don’t have money then.

“Since then, she stopped answering my calls because she thought I am broke”, he told the court.

THE Nigerian delegation, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, president of the Nigeria Senate, has garnered international commendation for its diplomatic efforts, particularly in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, at the ongoing 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Amidst the contending interests and intrigues characterised by divergence among established and emerging powers on global order, the Akpabio-led Nigerian Delegation stood firm in rallying parliamentarians from across the world to uphold the basic tenets of humanity.

 

Senator Akpabio’s compelling appeal during the debate on the inclusion of an emergency item into the IPU Assembly agenda resonated deeply with parliamentarians worldwide. This is as he urged members to set aside ego and differences to work collectively towards drafting an all-encompassing resolution, showcasing Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global peace and humanitarian principles.

 

This is a lone voice from Nigeria. We tried our best in Angola and we failed to lend a collective voice towards what is happening in Gaza.

 

“Today, the world is very expectant. We must drop our ego. It has nothing to do with which country brings a proposal. The basic tenets of humanity demand that we leave here with resolutions for the rest of the world: to show that we have humane feelings in us,” remarked Senator Akpabio.

 

The Nigerian delegation, comprising notable members including Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Osita Ngwu, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Ibrahim Dankwambo, alongside Reps. Victor Abang, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, and Marie Ebikake, have played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests and promoting global peace and security.

Deputy Speaker, Kalu, a Member of the Nigerian Delegation, had last October, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), urging IPU members to work relentlessly towards achieving it. He emphasised that a crisis in any part of the world is a crisis for all, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive approach to international affairs.

The 148th IPU Assembly, themed “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” provides a crucial platform for delegates to deliberate and exchange views on pressing global issues. The Nigerian delegation’s advocacy for the inclusion of an emergency item on the IPU agenda, leading to a substantive debate on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has earned them widespread praise and admiration.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has appointed the appointment of 168 assistants and 104 board members for the 15 agencies and commissions of the state.

 

This is contained in a statement issue by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, (SSG) Alhaji Bukar Tijjani on Monday in Maiduguri.

 

He said the appointees comprised of nine Senior Technical Assistants(STA), 81 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and 78 Special Assistants (SAs).

 

The SSG said also listed 104 others as Chairmen and Board members of 15 agencies and commissions.

 

The appointment, the SSG said, was done based on powers conferred on the governor by the provisions of Section 208(2)d of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

 

“The governor congratulates the appointees and looks forward to their contributions to the development of Borno,” the SSG said. (NAN)

The Oloro of Oro Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba AbdulRafiu Olaniyi Ajiboye Oyelaran 1, has joined his ancestors.

 

The monarch was reported to have passed on in the early hours of Saturday, March 23.

 

Commiserating with the people of Oro Kingdom, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the late monarch as a peacemaker, a father figure to all, and a man who was passionate about the development of his kingdom.

 

The Governor said the deceased would be missed for his forthrightness, his commitment to peace and unity, and his successes.

 

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and Al-jannah Firdaus to Oba AbdulRafiu, and to give the people of Oro Kingdom and his family the strength to carry on his fine legacies.