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  • BREAKING: Ondo police rescue eight kidnapped CAC members

    BREAKING: Ondo police rescue eight kidnapped CAC members

    Barely 20 hours after their abduction, the Ondo State Police Command on Saturday said it had rescued eight out of 25 people who were kidnapped on Friday.

     

    Twenty-five members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State were kidnapped by some hoodlums suspected to be gunmen, in the state, on Friday evening

     

    The victims, who were said to be choristers of the church, were reportedly attacked and kidnapped on the Benin-Akure Expressway, around the Ifon area in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

    They were said to be travelling to Ifon, for a burial ceremony, while the hoodlums waylaid them and dragged them to an unknown destination in the bush.

     

    Speaking on the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed that eight of the victims had been rescued while efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.

     

    “Good news!, eight victims rescued, effort is on to rescue others unhurt”, she said on a WhatsApp platform.

     

  • President Tinubu Must Read This – Re-newed Hope

    President Tinubu Must Read This – Re-newed Hope

     

     

    A Day for Najib Abdussalam

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The premises of Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company (AUMTC) was thrown into mourning mood as the workers openly shed tears, grieving over the sack of their Managing Director, Najib Mahmoud AbduSSalam.

    AbduSSalam was sacked by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday along with the Heads of other FCDA Agencies.

    AbduSSalam, an indigene of Kano State was on the job for just about 110 days and had impacted so positively on the lives of the Nigerians from different tribes, religion and ethnic groups working in AUMTC.

    As he was leaving the company, he was surrounded by the workers, shedding tears, and wishing him not to go.

    Though AbdulSalam is a Muslim, the Christians among the workers surrounding AbdulSalam were praying passionately for GOD to return him to them as their Managing Director.

    The Muslims too were offering prayers to GOD to bless AbdulSalam and return him to them as their Managing Director.

    A commentator on the affection displayed by AUMTC workers, Ustaz Waheed Adeyemi, noted that AbduSSalam incident”is  an indication that truly, hope for unity, love and dedication can be effectively renewed among Nigerians with good leadership.”

    President Tinubu, he stressed, should watch this to renew his trust and ”re-newed’: hope agenda.

    AbduSSalam should be returned to his people in AUMTC to continue the good work he is doing among them that earned him so much love and affection within a little over 100 days of leadership., he counselled. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

    Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi:  The unknown gunmen, who kidnapped the Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, have allegedly demanded a ransom of N60 million from his family.

    A family source told newsmen on Friday in Makurdi that the abductors made the demand in a phone call to a member of the family on Friday.

    NAN further reports that according to the source, the recipient of the call, name withheld for security reasons, said the “kidnappers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home for their demand”.

    The source said they called and placed their phone on loud speaker so that the beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.

    NAN also reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam in Ukum LGA and kidnapped him on 24th Sept. around 8pm.

    Eyewitnesses told NAN that the kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including the the Commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before they took away the victim.

    The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles and sped away.

    Gov Hyacinth Alia, in his reaction, has strongly condemned the abduction and directed security operatives to ensure the safe release of his Commissioner.

    However, when asked if the kidnappers have made contact with either the family or government, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, simply said “investigation is ongoing”. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Transport union renews fight against thuggery at motor parks

    Transport union renews fight against thuggery at motor parks

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

    President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, on Friday in Abuja.

    The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru, near Jos in Plateau state.

    The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).

    He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.

    Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.

    “I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.

    “But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.

    “Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”

    He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.

    “If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”

    He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding

    “I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.

    “You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”

    Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.

    “In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.

    “He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Gov. Adeleke felicitates Oyetola at 69 Birthday

    Gov. Adeleke felicitates Oyetola at 69 Birthday

     

    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo:  Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has felicitated predecessor,and Minister of Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, on his 69th birth anniversary.

    Adeleke, in his congratulatory message on Friday in Osogbo, prayed God to grant the minister more blessed years on earth.

    “It is my pleasure to congratulate my dear big brother on the occasion of his birthday. I thank God for granting my predecessor another blessed year.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Osun state, I convey our heartfelt good wishes.

    ” Where ever my brother is, he should please enjoy his day”, he said.(NAN) / Flowerbudnews

  • Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

    Antigraft: EFCC secures 1,688 convictions in 9 months

     

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja:    Abdulkarim Ckukkol, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency, in its war against corruption, economic and financial crimes, has secured 1,688 convictions between January and September, this year.

    Ckukkol disclosed this on Friday at the Passing out Parade of Detective Assistant Course 4 Cadre for 331 cadets of the commission at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga.

    According to him, the EFCC in 20 years of existence, has made a huge difference in the affairs of the nation.

    “Through the efforts of the commission, odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub, with the attendant negative effect on our economy, was erased.

    “The Commission’s investigation activities have led to the recovery of asset running into billions of Naira.

    “Last year (2022), the commission secured a total of 3,785 convictions, the highest by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria in a single year.

    “Between January and now, the commission recorded 1,688 convictions. The figure is bound to increase as more cases are brought to conclusion in the courts,” he said.

    He said that the commission, in addition to enforcement activities, would continue to pursue its prevention mandate with relentless vigor through engagement with different stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

    According to him, the commission recently broke new grounds in this endeavor with the commencement of test transmission of its radio station, EFCC Radio 97.3 FM.

    “The initiative promises fresh vista of opportunities for public engagement as the commission strives to get the people to own the fight against corruption,” he said.

    He urged the cadets to bolster the efforts of the Commission to consolidate on the achievements of the past and secure its place as a premier law enforcement agency not only Nigeria but the world.

    He urged them to be committed to the profession they signed up for, and should know that law enforcement, especially fighting economic and financial crimes, is a crucial national service.

    He described it as “a career” which takes years to build but could be destroyed in a moment of careless indiscretion or poor judgment.

    “For you to run this race and fulfill your dream as an EFCC officer, you must at all times stay focused and uphold the values of the Commission which are Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.

    “I must also sound a note of warning that the Commission will not condone any indiscipline, as violation of the established code of conduct will be met with appropriate sanctions,” he said.

    The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Mr Baba-Shani Umar, urged the new cadets to stand on the precipice of new beginnings.

    “I urge you to remember the principles that have been instilled in you: integrity, Courage, professionalism and Collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.

    “Carry these values as your compass, and they will guide you through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead,” he said.

    The Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Nasarawa, DCP Ikioye Orutugu, urged the cadets to make use of the training they had received in eradicating corrupt practices in the country.

    Orutugu admonished them to use their talents as well as skills acquired to contribute their quota to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    He also stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation and mutual understanding among other sisters agencies as witnessed between EFCC and the Nigeria Police for the growth of the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Nationwide blackout, fuel scarcity loom as workers mobilize for indefinite strike

    Nationwide blackout, fuel scarcity loom as workers mobilize for indefinite strike

    There are indications that Nigerians will experience nationwide blackout and fuel scarcity in the coming days as the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG, have commenced mobilization in compliance with the planned indefinite strike declared by organized labour unions.

    Dominic Igwebike, NUEE’s acting general secretary, urged members to stop work from the early hours of Tuesday.

     

    The NUEE’s call on its members to join the planned indefinite strike comes on the heels of a similar call by NUPENG on its members to withdraw their services, raising fears of possible fuel scarcity across the country.

    The development comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, declared an indefinite nationwide strike to pressure the government to address the hardships associated with the removal of fuel subsidy.

     

    The NUEE members’ strike could throw the country into darkness, given the workers’ critical roles in electricity distribution in the country.

     

    DAILY POST recalls that the country experienced a total blackout during the NLC two-day warning strike on September 5th and 6th.

    On Tuesday, the TUC and the NLC announced the decision to embark on an indefinite strike from 3 October over the prevailing hardship due to the removal of subsidy on petrol.

     

    Meanwhile, DAILY POST reports that, in a last minute move to avert the indefinite strike, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, on Friday invited organized labour for talk

  • Gov. Adeleke cancels Independence Day celebrations in Osun

    Gov. Adeleke cancels Independence Day celebrations in Osun

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has cancelled the celebration of Independence Day slated for Sunday.

     

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo, the governor urged the people of the state to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

    Let us use Independence Day to meditate and pray on the state of our nation.

    “Our people are passing through tough times. It is time to take stock and seek divine intervention and guidance in the affairs of our nation.

    “I greet Osun people and Nigerians in general as the independence day knocks at our doors.

     

    ” Here in Osun, we will celebrate with meditation and prayers,” he said

  • FRSC launches 2023 “Ember” months campaign in Abia, warns against overloading

    FRSC launches 2023 “Ember” months campaign in Abia, warns against overloading

     

    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia:   The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Sector Command, has launched this year’s “Ember” months campaign against overloading and speed before and during the Yuletide.

    In a speech at the event in Umuahia, the South-East Zonal Commander of the corps, RS9HQ, Mr Ocheja Ameh, said that the campaign would focus on encouraging road users to observe safety measures.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the campaign is “Speed thrills but kills: Drive responsibly and avoid overloading”.

    Ameh said: “The focus of our campaign this year is against overloading, failure to install speed limiting device by commercial vehicles, dangerous driving, lane indiscipline and absence of wipers.

    “Also, vehicles that are abusing the use of several lights in the night, other than the factory-fitted ones and use of phone, while driving, amongst others.

    “I want to assure you that this year’s campaign will be more vigorous than that of last year, because we want to start early for best results.”

    He thanked the government and stakeholders for their support to FRSC programmes, adding that the corps was poised to intensify it’s campaign against violation of safety rules by road users.

    The Acting Sector Commander, Mrs Bridget Asekhauno, said that the campaign was targeted at recording minimal road crashes, zero fatalities and free flow of traffic during the Yuletide and going forward.

    Asekhauno said that in order to achieve its goal, the command had deployed personnel, operational vehicles and ambulances in all the strategic roads across the state as well as made provision for mobile courts.

    She urged drivers to install speed limiting device, use safe tyres in their vehicles and avoid overloading their vehicles with humans and animals, amongst other infractions.

    She also said that the command would not hesitate to prosecute violators of any road safety rules and urged road users to cooperate with FRSC personnel deployed in various locations in the state.

    In a speech, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia said that the FRSC core mandate of minimising road crashes and fatalities was in line with Abia Government’s agenda to achieve effective traffic management in the state.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Sunny Onwuma, described road safety as a shared responsibility, which makes it important for all drivers to drive safely to save lives.

    Otti urged road users to obey traffic rules and regulations to enable them to arrive at their different destinations, safely.

    Earlier, the State Chairman, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, Mr Amobi Ohaeri, commended the corps for embarking on a campaign to encourage safe driving.

    Ohaeri said that the effort would greatly help to improve the orientation of road users, especially commercial drivers, in driving responsibly and appealed to FRSC to conduct regular enlightenment programmes, particularly in motor parks.

    “This campaign should go beyond Ember months.

    “Take it to churches, mosques, town hall meetings, because drivers belong to all these places and do consider starting a road safety club for drivers to further drive the message home,” he said.

    Also, the State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshal, Chief Jerry Onyemachi, commended FRSC and the security agencies for their collaborative effort toward keeping the roads safe.

    Onyemachi called on the people of Abia to be law-abiding and adhere to the safety measures outlined by FRSC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

    INA/USO