01122020 - Why Nigeria's at mercy of terrorists — LAI MOHAMMED

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6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 Police nab gun-runner in C-River, recover 299 live cartridges By Ike Uchechukwu CALABAR—A 52-year-old man, Cyprian Mbe, has been arrested by police operatives in Cross River State with 299 live cartridges concealed in a bag. The state Commissioner of Police, Abdulkadir Jimoh, while briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Calabar said the suspect had been a gun runner for long as well as a promoter of native wars in Etung Local Government Area where he was apprehended. Jimoh also revealed that it took the efforts of the vigilant Etung Division patrol team, who were on routine stop and search to apprehend the suspect According to the CP, Cyprian was arrested by the patrol team during a stop and search at Bendeghe in Etung Local Government Area. He said: “During a stop and search by the Etung Divisional patrol team, one Cyprian Mbe, a native of Bashia village in Boki LGA was intercepted with 299 live cartridges concealed in a black bag. He is a suspected gun runner and promoter of native war." Court sets aside AMCON’s ex-parte order By Onozure Dania A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has vacated an ex-parte order against Peace Global Satellite Communication Network and its Managing Director, Oreye Livingstone, obtained in March this year by Assets Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON. The ex-parte order, which granted Benson Ibezim, the 3rd claimant/respondent, the receiver manager appointed by AMCON to take possession of the property belonging to Oreye and his wife, which include their residence and hotel located at Omole Estate, Lagos was vacated after careful consideration of all affidavits, counteraffidavits, written addresses, exhibits and submissions of counsel for and against the reliefs sought. Delivering judgement, trial judge, Justice A. Chikere, who ordered immediate vacation of the ex-parte order, noted that the court discharged the earlier order because the exparte order was obtained without jurisdiction and upon suppression of facts. Besides, the judge noted that AMCON’s lawyer went ahead to move the motion on March 9, 2020, even though a notice on motion showing that the matter was in the Supreme Court was served the claimant on February 14, 2020. 7 killed, 4 buildings burnt as renewed cult clashes rock Delta, Ebonyi •One killed, 2 abducted as pirates strike in Rivers •Gunmen kill 4 in Taraba By Perez Brisibe, Femi Bolaji & Davies Iheamnachor TWELVE persons were reportedly killed, two abducted, many injured and four buildings razed in Delta, Ebonyi, Rivers and Taraba states in cult-related clashes, pirates and gunmen attacks Sunday night and yesterday. It was gathered that one person was reportedly killed and four buildings razed in what appeared to be renewed clash between members of the Aye and Mafia confraternities, in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. This is just as two other persons were also reportedly killed in two separate incidents between the warring cult groups on Sunday night and yesterday morning at Oghenevweta and Oseri street areas of Ekuigbo community. Both attacks are coming less than a week after a similar incident between Aye and Aro Baggers confraternities led to the death of eight persons. One of the victims, Oghenero Oke a.k.a Last Card, who was alleged to be a member of the Mafia confraternity, was killed around Oteri old road in Oteri community, Ughelli by a resident of the community simply identified as Eloho, while two others sustained gunshot wounds. Though efforts to speak with the state Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onowakpoyeya, were fruitless, a security source at the Ughelli Police Area Command disclosed that the victim had an altercation with Eloho, who was having an intimate relationship with his elder sister. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Angered by the death of the victim, his friends stormed the family house and shop of Eloho’s parent and burnt it down. “The prime suspect and his gang members have since fled the community immediately news of Oghenero’s death filtered into the community.” Condemning the wanton destruction of property as a result of the incident, President General of Oteri community, Mr Efe Odibo described it as unfortunate. 4 killed in Ebonyi communities Also, four persons were reportedly shot dead in Oriuzo and Onueke in Ezza North and Ezza South Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State following a renewed clash between Ayez and Barga confraternities. One of the victims identified as ‘Mgbamgba’ who was alleged to be a member of Ayez confraternity from Oriuzo in Ezza North, allegedly led a squad that killed a member of Barga confraternity Sunday morning. Consequently, members of Barga in a reprisal mission, on Sunday evening, trailed Mgbamgba on his way from a child dedication ceremony and allegedly shot him and his girlfriend. At Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area, another person identified as Mr Chikwado Nweke popularly known as ‘Quack’ alleged to be a member of Barga was shot dead at Ikwo Road, Onueke, on Sunday night. The deceased who was from Amuzu in Ezza South Local Government Area, until his death, worked at Ezekuna Motor Park in Onueke. His killers reportedly threw his corpse into a nearby gutter, where it was later found, yesterday, morning and had been deposited in a morgue in Onueke. Meanwhile, DSP Loveth Odah, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi when contacted, said the command was yet to receive a report of the incident. One killed, 2 abducted as pirates strike in Rivers One person was, yesterday, feared killed and two missing after pirates allegedly attacked a passenger boat around Isaka river in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State. A source said the passenger boat was from Port Harcourt to Bonny when the suspected pirates struck. The source said: “A new boat with new engine was hijacked this morning (yesterday) at Isaka area. That is the latest mode of crime on waterways. When they see new boats with a new engine, they attack it and offload the passengers at the One of the buildings burnt at Oteri community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. creek. “So as usual, the passengers were dropped at the creek while the hoodlums whisked away two people believed to be rich among them. Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP. Nnamdi Omoni, said he is yet to receive brief about the incidence, but quickly added that the police are working to contain the activities of pirates in the state. ... 4 in Taraba In Taraba State, four Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, who returned to their village last Thursday, were reportedly killed by gunmen Sunday night in Tor- Iorshaegh village. An eyewitness, Donald Meer, named those killed as Godwin Meer, Terlumun Mdooga Mbakpenev, Alfred Sylvanus Mchivga and Ayar Chia. He claimed that the attackers fled the scene of the incident before the arrival of soldiers stationed in the area. Meanwhile, President General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State, Joshua Ayagwa who also confirmed the attack and killing of four persons said the incident has been reported to security agencies. NABBED: Suspected robbers, car snatchers, and illegal arms dealers being paraded by Police in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. Gunmen ambush Ughelli monarch's wife, shoot police orderly By Dayo Johnson & Perez Brisibe UGHELLI—ONE of the wives of the Ovie of Ughelli kingdom, HRM Wilson Okakovo, Oharisi III, yesterday, escaped death after she was ambushed by a gang of gunmen in front of the palace along Isoko road in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Police orderly, Inspector Bello Chinye, attached to the palace also narrowly escaped death during the incident following gunshot wound he sustained on his right hand during the attack. Though efforts to get details from the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onowakpoyeya, were fruitless, a security source at the Ughelli Police Area Command debunked insinuations that the incident was a kidnap attempt, but a random armed robbery incident. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the wife of the monarch identified as Queen Rachel (Queen II) and her driver had gone to a new generation bank along Isoko road and returned to the palace when they were accosted by the gunmen. The source said: “From the information made available to us, the gunmen, dressed in police camouflage cardigan, doublecrossed the car conveying the queen and ordered the driver to open the door and come down. “While the driver was questioning the gunmen, thinking they were policemen, a police inspector on guard at the palace came to the scene of the incident and tried to know what was going on. “It was at that point that the gunmen upon sighting the policeman shot him on the hand. It was during the melee that ensued that the queen also ran into the palace for safety while the hoodlums also fled the scene.” Abductors of 2 Rev sisters, driver in Ondo to die by hanging Meanwhile, the abductors of two Reverend Sisters and their driver along the Benin-Ore-Lagos highway, in Ondo State four years ago have been sentenced to death by hanging. The victims were Reverend Sister Perpetual Idowu Apo, Reverend Sister Bukola Roseline Familade and their driver, Yohanna Zibai Delivering judgment, Justice Ademola Adegoroye said the prosecution could not produce any evidence against Seun and Lateef Fayemi and, therefore, discharged them. Justice Adegoroye, however, found Reuben, Uche and Seun guilty of all the charges and sentenced them to death by hanging.
Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 — 7 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 VISIT: Kaduna State acting Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe (left) with British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, during a visit to Government House, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi. 1% of travellers into Nigeria test positive to COVID-19 daily — PTF •Postpones 2020 National Sports Festival to next year •Plans strategy for Nigeria’s access to vaccines By Chioma Obinna, Omeiza Ajayi & Gabriel Olawale ABUJA — The Presidential Taskforce, PTF, on COVID-19 yesterday raised the alarm that one percent of travellers into Nigeria on daily basis test positive to coronavirus. The alarm came against the backdrop of forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations which often cause many Nigerians in the diaspora to return home. Disclosing this at a briefing in Abuja, National Coordinator of Presidential Task Force, PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said the one percent was a huge figure, considering the influx of people into the country. Aliyu said for instance, out of every 7,000 people that come into the country, if 70 test positive, they had capacity to transmit the virus. “International travel is not necessary at this critical time. We hope that people outside the country will stay where they are, while those of us in the country will also stay back at this critical time because international travels are no longer what they used to be.” He further admonished Nigerians and lovers of the country in the Diaspora to stay back wherever they are and celebrate the festive period, pending when the world would be able to put the COV- ID-19 pandemic under control. Aliyu said that travelling in or outside of Nigeria at this critical time would not be necessary except the trip was very urgent. Aliyu said that for those who want to come into the country, there were a few lay down rules, regulation and protocol that needed to be complied with. “Before you come into the country you must do PCR test five days to departure. Once it’s negative, you go to Nigeria portal to register and make payment. “For arrival, you will need to do test seven days after arrival which you will need to be isolated and once it’s negative you can go on with your business. Payment is mandatory, seven days isolation is necessary. We have about six private laboratories in Abuja with another two coming. Every state now has access to testing, testing is free for public health but if you want to travel you have to pay,” he stated. In his presentation, Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, said the PTF was already working on the Speaker, Abonta clash over House of Reps' ineffectiveness By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila was greatly irked, yesterday, by a submission from his colleague, Nkem Abonta that the National Assembly had become a toothless bulldog in today’s democratic practice. He also refuted vehemently claims that of the over 100 resolutions so far passed by the legislature, none had been implemented by the executive arm of government. Both lawmakers clashed at the Legislative Conference 2020 organised by Hallow Mace Communications, in conjunction with the National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Abuja. Speaking on the theme, “Legislative Investigative Power: Expectations, Challenges and Way Forward,” Abonta, a PDP member from Abia State, argued that federal parliament has lost its independence to the Executive and as such, could not effectively carry out oversight functions on its ministries, depart- ments and agencies, MDAS. He said: “A weak legislature is like a vehicle without an engine; it cannot move fast. Therefore, anything that can be done to strengthen the legislature will grant it a good standing. “The way forward is for the Executive to stop being meddlesome. It should allow the Legislature do its work without meddling, do its work without party consideration. We are running a master/servant institution and that should not be. “Weak legislature engenders weak governance and weak governance brings about issues such as #End- SARS. “The House has passed one hundred and something motions and none of the resolutions has been adhered to by the Executive.” Abonta added that House had previously sent a resolution to the Executive on the demands raised by #EndSARS protesters but got no response until the situation escalated. “What did we do about it? We are toothless bulldogs,” Abonta audaciously said. Reacting to the submissions, Gbajabiamila, who was represented by the Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, dismissed Abonta’s claims, describing them as a “misrepresentation of facts”. He also refuted the claim that #EndSARS protest occured consequent upon the docility of the lawmakers, also describing it as “too simplistic.” The speaker said that the legislature was not a second class institution in a democratic practice, though such feelings persisted in some quarters. He added that the House had via a motion, started action on the disbandment of Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit of the Nigeria police force before the youths protested against it. According to the speaker, the need to form a synergy between the legislature and the other arms of government to foster even and rapid development of the country shouldn’t be misconstrued. “For him (Abonta) to say that out of over 100 resolutions passed by the House of Representatives, not even one was implemented is a misplacement of facts. The #End- SARS movement, EndSARS initiative started on the floor of the House. strategy for Nigeria to gain access to the vaccines as soon as they were available. He said there had been a lot of positive developments around the world regarding vaccines, adding that before it becomes available, Nigerians had to continue to comply with the non-pharmaceutical interventions. Continuing, he disclosed that the 2020 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Benin, Edo State, this month, had been postponed till next year to allow for proper safety protocol to be put in place. Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, also disclosed that the PTF was escalating its surveillance and testing drive to ensure the spread of the virus was effectively contained. He said: “We approach the festive season, we shall continue to remind Nigerians that all non-essential trips should be put off this December. This is for your safety and good health. “Over the past weeks, discussions have been held about the safety issues pertaining to the National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Benin, Edo State. New dates have been agreed upon early in 2021, before which, measures would be put in place to minimize infections. The HM Youth and Sports would have been here to brief the nation on the preparations but for other exigencies. He will be here with us in subsequent briefings.’’ On NYSC, he said: “We are pleased to inform you that the first stream of NYSC has concluded camping, while we expect the 2nd stream to go to camp on December 3 and the third stream, January 2021. ‘’Necessary measures, building on the successes of the first stream, have been taken. The DG NCDC will brief you on this.” On his part, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, also cautioned against local and international travels, saying there was need to remain extra-vigilant against the pandemic. He said participants of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC scheme who tested positive in the stream A would now be absorbed into Stream B, urging Corps members to be ambassadors in the fight against COVID-19. Army can only succeed in building public confidence through effective synergy — Buratai By Onozure Dania ABUJA — The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, said yesterday that the Nigerian Army can only collectively succeed in building public confidence and encourage citizens through effective synergy between the military, other security agencies and the media. Buratai disclosed that the Nigerian Army remained committed to its constitutional roles in supporting civil authorities to maintain law and order. “We will continue to build the capacity of our personnel through training and retraining both at home and abroad,’’ he said. The Army chief, who spoke at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information 2020 Media Workshop, with the theme “Supporting the Military: Panacea for Improved National Security’’, said this year’s programme was geared towards building capacity and enhancing collaboration between security agencies and information managers of the Nigerian Army, commanding officers, defence correspondents and online media practitioners. “It is through this kind of forum that we can foster the understanding of each other’s roles and therefore contribute meaningfully towards the desired synergy, cooperation and collaboration for the benefit of our society towards achieving peace, security and stability in our country,” Burutai said. Maj Gen Godwin Umelo, represented by Maj Gen Nsikak Edet, in his lecture, titled “Civil Unrest, Impact on National Security”, said in recent times, civil unrest had become a greater threat to national security in comparison to external aggression. Tackling hunger, poverty more important than restructuring — Amaechi By Dirisu Yakubu ABUJA — Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said there was nothing wrong with the demands for restructuring of the nation but noted that the twin vices of hunger and poverty were more critical to the federal government. Ameachi, who stated this on Sunday night, in a Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, said: “If what is important to you is restructuring, I don’t see anything wrong with restructuring but I am saying it is not the most critical problem we have. The most critical problem we have is that hunger and poverty are breeding insecurity.” The Minister added that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was committed to tackling poverty squarely through job creation at all levels. He said: “If you are able to create employment, you create security. If you like hire as many men as By Henry Umoru ABUJA — GOVER NORS of the thirty six states of the country, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, will meet tomorrow to evolve a new national security order that will ensure safety of lives and property nationwide. Recall that there have been continued cases of armed banditry, Boko Haram insurgency and kidnapping across the country, which culminated in Saturday’s gruesome killing of rice farmers in Borno State by members of Boko Haram. Also to be discussed at the meeting is the controversial Water Resources Bill where they are expected to brainstorm on the last presentation of the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Hussein Adamu. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar you want to hire that are policemen, you would do nothing until you put food in the hands of people. “When you do not create a legitimate economy, the people will create for themselves an illegitimate economy and be able to feed themselves.” Lamenting the inability of many farmers to access their farms in some parts of the country, the former governor of Rivers state urged Nigerians to remember that the security situation in the country today was unlike what the nation had seen in the past. “We are facing a different kind of insecurity,” the minister noted, a few days after the United Nations said at least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others wounded when Boko Haram insurgents attacked villages near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. “When we were in power as governors, the problem we were facing was Boko Haram. Now, it is much more than Boko Haram. We need to address those issues, “ he counselled. Govs meet tomorrow on new national security order Malami, SAN will also brief the governors on the update of stamp duty collections. The statement read: ‘’The 22nd NGF Teleconference meeting which will hold tomorrow Wednesday has the disturbing issue of insecurity across the country as the major focus. “As part of the effort, beginning at the sub-national level, the Forum will be receiving zonal updates on SARS and Internal security at its Wednesday meeting. “Similarly, the Forum will also revisit the issue of CACOVID palliatives with updates on its current status’ in all the states. “Three groups will be making presentations, top of which will be a joint effort between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, and the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai, discussing how to access Pension Funds for Infrastructure Development in the country.
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01122020 - Why Nigeria's at mercy of terrorists — LAI MOHAMMED

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