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Reps probe police over loss of firearms by personnel

The House of Representatives has mandated its committees to investigate the persistent loss of fire arms by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The House on Thursday mandated the Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs and Public Accounts, to investigate the persistent firearm loss, the failure of the police force to comply with the Financial Regulations Act, and recommend appropriate punitive measures.

This resolution was reached following a motion moved by Idris Salman, a lawmaker from Kogi State.

In the motion he presented, Mr Salman said there has been an increase in the rate of loss of firearms, and according to him, most of the losses have gone unreported.

He explained that the 2019 Auditor General’s report showed that 178,459 pieces of firearms have gone missing from the armoury.

“Nigeria Police have lost sufficient firearms to arm four full-size infantry divisions which were not reported, thus, violating paragraph 2603 of the Financial Regulations, 2009, which requires officers to report store losses to the head of department or unit within three days if the loss occurs away from headquarters,” he said.

Following the presentation of the motion, it was taken without debate.

October 26, 2023
Tinubu’s victory at Supreme Court a welcome relief for Nigerians – Buhari

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the victory of Bola Tinubu at the Supreme Court as a welcome relief for not just him but the majority of Nigerians.

Recall that the Supreme Court, on Thursday, affirmed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the presidential election that held in the country on February 25.

Buhari made reaction in a statement posted by his media aide, Garba Shehu on X (formerly called Twitter) on Thursday.

It reads: “Former President Muhammadu Buhari says the decision to dismiss the appeals by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), by the Supreme Court, is a welcome relief to him and to a majority of the citizens of Nigeria.

“The former President repeated what he said on the earlier 6 September verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed President @officialABAT‘s victory, that the welcome decision is “a reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority.”

“Now that we have arrived at the last bus-stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima

@OfficialAPCNg government. Let them allow the Government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.

The former President expressed concern over low voting percentages all over the country, especially in urban areas, and said this should change, given the acceptance and vibrancy of democracy in Nigeria.

“He wishes the President and his team a successful term in office.”

October 26, 2023
Judgement: ‘Our judicial system has proven itself’ — PDP’s Gov Adeleke hails Tinubu’s victory

Judgement: ‘Our judicial system has proven itself’ — PDP’s Gov Adeleke hails Tinubu’s victory

Gov. Ademola Adeleke has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court, saying the time to unite for Nigeria is now.

The apex court had on Thursday dismissed the appeals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and their presidential candidates, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi.

The appellants had challenged the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the Feb. 25 poll and sought to overturn the verdict of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The supreme court, however, dismissed the appeal, holding that new evidence could not be introduced at the stage of appeal.

In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Thursday in Osogbo, Adeleke said “our judicial system has once again proven itself in tackling disputes that arise from our elections”.

The statement repoted the governor as making the remarks in the presence of the ‘Iyaloja General’ of Nigeria, Folasade Ojo-Tinubu, in Ede.

Ojo-Tinubu, was at Ede, the country home of the governor, to attend the 8th Day Fidau prayer of the father of the state’s Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Wahab Ayofe.

Adeleke, who noted the finality of the apex court ruling on disputes on the 2023 presidential election, said the resolution of the questions that surrounded the election would bring about focus in confronting the many challenges facing Nigeria.

He commended the main opposition candidate in the election for deepening the country’s electoral jurisprudence by testing their complaints at the court of law.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun State, I congratulate President Tinubu on his judicial victory at the apex court.

“It is my hope that your administration will bring progress, unity, and prosperity to our nation, and I want to restate my commitment to partner you in offering good governance for our people,” he said.

October 26, 2023
Betta Edu Congratulates President Tinubu, Describes Victory As Deserving, Re-Affirmation of Nigerians’ Popular Choice.

By Flowerbudnews

Abuja: (Flowerbudnews):Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court.

In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the President’s election as deserving and fitting revalidation of the popular choice millions of Nigerians made on February 25th, this year.

According to her, “Nigerians were clear on their choice of President on the election day. President Tinubu was their choice and they overwhelmingly voted for him. He won a popular mandate which has now been re-affirmed by the Supreme Court. The apex court has, therefore, simply revalidated the choice Nigerians made eight months ago.”

The statement further quoted Dr. Edu commending the Supreme Court Justices for “proving once again that the judiciary is democracy’s stabilizing factor.”

“I do not doubt that the judiciary plays a crucial role in the stabilization of democracy; that arm of government is democracy’s stabilizing factor and it has proven so once again with the affirmation of Mr President’s election.

“The affirmation of President Tinubu’s victory at the polls by the Supreme Court will indeed further deepen our democracy and broaden our jurisprudence.”

She called on the main litigants, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, to join hands with the President to move the country forward.

“Now that the Supreme Court has brought to rest all issues bordering on the 2023 presidential election, I appeal to the two main litigants to join hands with Mr. President to move the country forward in the overall interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, especially as the President has a robust road-map anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda to set our country on the path of irreversible progress. Politics is over Governance is what is important. Let’s make Nigeria work!

“On behalf of the staff and management of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, I Congratulates Mr. President on this well-deserved victory “she added. (Flowerbudnews)

October 26, 2023
Bago congratulates Tinubu on Supreme Court’s victory

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, has felicitated President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the Supreme Court upheld his election victory.

The governor, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, issued in Minna on Thursday said truth and justice had prevailed.

He said that with the verdict of the Supreme Court, “the coast is finally cleared and arguments laid to rest.”

Bago, who expressed confidence in the ability of the administration of Tinubu to deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians called on all and sundry to give the administration the needed support and prayers.

The election of Tinubu was challenged by some of his opponents at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) where he emerged victorious.

Unsatisfied by the verdict, the opponents appealed the ruling, which had been upheld by the Supreme Court on Thursday, laying to rest every litigation about the 2023 presidential election.

NAN

October 26, 2023
For the Records: Pres. Tinubu’s Statement on Victory at the Supreme Court

By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:

IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER

I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.

While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times.

Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.

The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria (Flowerbudnews)

October 26, 2023 (Flowerbudnews (

October 26, 2023
China warns U.S. not to get involved in its problems with Philippines

Beijing:. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the United States does
not have the right to get involved in problems between China and the Philippines.

The ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said this at a press conference as tensions simmer over conflicts in disputed waters of
the South China Sea.

when asked about the U.S. saying it will defend the Philippines

“The U.S. is not party to the South China Sea issue, it has no right to get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines.”

China and the Philippines have had several high-profile confrontations in the South China Sea, most notably in disputed waters
around the Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands.

Earlier on Sunday, a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine boat, with Manila condemning “in the strongest degree”
the “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” of the vessel.

“The U.S. promise of defending the Philippines must not hurt China’s sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China
Sea, and it also must not enable and encourage the illegal claims of the Philippines,” Mao said.

A spokesperson for the Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday at the White House that America’s commitment to Philippines defence
remains “iron-clad,” after accusing China of acting “dangerously and unlawfully” in the South China Sea.

“Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces would invoke, our Mutual Defence Treaty with the
Philippines,” Biden said in remarks during a joint meeting with Australia’s prime minister.

The United States and the Philippines recently agreed on new guidelines for their 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.

The guidelines now specifically mention that mutual defence commitments would be invoked if there were an
armed attack on either country “anywhere in the South China Sea.” (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

October 26, 2023
Judgement: Stop distracting Tinubu, allow him work for Nigerians – APC Chieftain Ngwu

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: Chief Hycienth Ngwu, former South-East Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged opposition parties and critics to stop distracting President Bola Tinubu henceforth and allow him work for Nigerians.

Ngwu said this shortly on Thursday after the Supreme Court of Nigeria reaffirmed the earlier judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) reaffirming Tinubu winner of the Feb. 18, 2023, Presidential Election as declared by INEC.

He said that he had earlier said after the PEPT judgement that reaffirmed Tinubu victory that the judgement remained “a reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians and that Tinubu won fair and square.

According to him, the Supreme judgment today, truly reaffirms my earlier position during the PEPT judgment that is a reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians.

“The Supreme Court has finally nailed it; upholding the votes cast for President Tinubu by the people as the voice of God.

“Having come this far, I want to thank the critics and presidential candidates that went this far and by now they should be satisfied and their followers be satisfied also as all the necessary steps have been taken to reverse any abnormality witnessed in the election.

“It was a near-perfect Presidential election that was won very clearly by the ruling APC candidate and our President,” he said.

The APC chieftain called on the opposition parties and persons to set aside all distractions and bury all animosity and face governance in the interest of Nigerians.

“Governance is for Nigerians. We are all Nigerians and let us all support the President and his team to deliver sound macro-economic policies that will certainly leverage us out of the economic mess that we are witnessing in the country.

“I believe that President Tinubu has a sound economic team and their policies are very sound; but because of these distractions of going to tribunal the people are yet to come to reality with these sound policies and programmes.

“However with this judgment they will all come to terms with reality.

“Let all these bickering and opposition activities take a rest. Let’s put a stop to it and allow the very good and sound economic policies and programmes the economic team has put in place to strive,” he advised.

Ngwu, who is a foundation member of the APC, noted that Nigerians needed to benefit from these policies and programmes and then be happy.

He said that the ultimate focus of good governance remained the economic wellbeing and benefit of the people of Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to close ranks and work together for the peace and prosperity of the country irrespective of political party and ideology, adding: “This is good for us, our children, the future of the country and to our neighbouring countries”.

“The political and economic stability, peace and progress of the country would not only impact on Nigerians but to residents of other African countries as they all look up to Nigeria and whatever happens here affects them directly or indirectly.

“We should allow President Tinubu’s administration to marshal out his good intentions and plans for Nigerians, which is encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu has the capacity to deliver; he is an experienced politician and of a sound mind too. He will certainly give us the best if we work with him,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

October 26, 2023
Pakistan issues last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave

Islamabad:. Pakistan on Thursday gave a last warning to all immigrants in the country
illegally, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, to leave voluntarily before a Nov. 1 deadline.

The Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said at a news conference on Thursaday that Pakistan was determined to
go ahead with a plan to remove all undocumented immigrants after Nov. 1.

The minister said the decision was taken after Afghan nationals were found to be involved in crimes, smuggling and
attacks against government and the army, including 14 out of 24 suicide bombings this year.

“All the illegal immigrants have been identified. The state has a complete data,” said Bugti.

“I want to appeal one more time that all the illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily by the deadline.”

Bugti warned that law enforcement agencies would start an operation to remove people after the expiry of the deadline.

He also said action would be taken against anyone found involved in facilitating or hiding the immigrants.

The immigrants, mostly Afghans, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for years, would be processed at temporary
centres being set up by the government.

Those leaving voluntarily would be helped to leave Pakistan, such as preparation of their documents, permission to exchange
currency and transportation.

Pakistan has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans moved to Pakistan to escape war and conflicts, and many are registered as refugees with
the government and UN agencies.

The expulsion plan marks a new low in relations between the South Asian neighbours after border clashes in recent months.

Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies,
saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

October 26, 2023