24032021 - Insecurity threatens 2023 elections, Ortom tells Buhari

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14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 Katsina reopens 5 boarding schools, 3 months after Kankara abductions K Katsina ATSINA—THE State government has directed the reopening of five boarding schools in the state for the continuation of the 2020/2021 academic session from Sunday, March 28. The state government also directed the reopening of all female boarding secondary schools. Female pupils are to resume at nearby day schools within their locations today, March 24. The schools were shut in December following the abduction of more than 300 students of the Government Science Secondary School, GSSS, Kankara. The students regained freedom five days after their abduction. According to a statement by Public Relations Officer, PRO, in the state Ministry of Education, Sani Suleiman, COVID-19 protocol must be strictly adhered Tarfa gives DSS 48 hours to release 26 BDC operators ABUJA—A human rights lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), has given the Department of State Services, DSS, a 48 hour ultimatum to either release the 26 Bureau de Change, BDC, operators in its custody or take them to court. In a letter to the Director- General of DSS, Yusuf Magaji, in Abuja, Tarfa insisted that if DSS failed to act, he would approach a court and demand for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights. He said: “The Apex Court of Nigeria has, in a plethora of decided cases, frowned at the continued detention of citizens of this country unlawfully by security agents and their agencies without due recourse to the court and in violation of to by staff, students and visitors. According to the statement “In line with the Katsina State policy on school’s resumption, Governor Aminu Masari, has directed the reopening of all Female Boarding Secondary Schools on Day System Basis to nearby Schools of their locations/ residence on Wednesday 24th March, 2021.” “Similarly, the Government directed the re-opening of the following boarding Schools: Government Unity Secondary School Malumfashi; SUNCAIS Katsina; Government Girls Secondary School Dutsin Safe Katsina; Government Girls Arabic Secondary School Dutsinma; Government School for the Deaf Malumfashi and Government School for the Blind Katsina on Sunday 28th Match, 2021 for the continuation of 2020/ 2021 academic session. '' S-Court rules June 11 on N24.4bn NOSPETCO Oil & Gas investors’ suit By Onozure Dania THE Supreme Court has fixed June 11, 2021 to deliver judgment in the case of 14,296 nvestors in NOSPETCO Oil and Gas Limited whose money are in the apex bank. The five-man Justices of the apex court, Presided by Justice Aminat Augie, fixed the date for judgment after lawyers of all the parties adopted their various briefs before the court. extent provisions of the Constitution. We, therefore, demand the immediate release of all our clients in your custody. This is without prejudice to the investigation that is being conducted by your establishment with respect to whatever reason they were arrested for.” Tarfa noted that the 26 detainees who are all members of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, Northwest chapter, were invited from Kano, Sokoto, Yola, Minna and Lagos for questioning by DSS in Abuja on March 9, 12 and 14, 2021; adding that they have been held incommunicado since then. Tarfa described their arrest by DSS, without any arraignment before a court, as illegal. The 14,296 investors’ N24.4 billion was deposited with CBN by the Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, following an embargo it placed on NOSPETCO’s operations. The investors through Mr Debo Adeleke, prayed the Supreme Court to compel CBN to release the money trapped in its coffer. Most of the investors who were aged and pensioners, subscribed to the fraudulent investment scheme put up by Nospetco Oil & Gas Ltd, each with N450, 000 slots between 2004 and 2005. Panel on sexual, gender-based violence receives 14 petitions in Adamawa By Umar Yusuf YOLA—NO fewer than 14 complaints have been lodged before the special investigation panel on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) sitting in Yola, Adamawa State. The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu disclosed this in Yola at the commencement of a two-day sitting of the panel . Ojukwu noted that with the high turnout of people, at the commencement of the sitting of the panel, he expected more petitions. He observed that based on the preponderance of SGBV during the lockdown, NHRC decided to constitute the panel to attend to the various complaints by survivors of the crime. He said: “The commission is the first institution that has the temerity to embark in this exercise.'' SIGNING: From left, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Prof. Park Idisi; Corporate Director, Dairy Development and Milkstreams, Royal FrieslandCampina, Mr. Jeroen Elfers; Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah; MD, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Chairman CNDDD, Mr. Ben Langat; and Executive Director Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mrs. Ore Famurewa at the signing of a partnership agreement under the aegis of the Centre for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development in Abuja. Don’t set Nigeria on fire over hijab, PFN tells Kwara gov By Demola Akinyemi, with Agency report I BADAN— THE Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has warned Governor Abdul-Raman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State, against engaging in actions that could set the country on fire, saying that the hijab crisis may degenerate if not handled with caution. This came as students and teachers of the 10 mission schools yesterday returned to classroom amidst tight security. PFN’s President, Bishop Wale Oke, who spoke at the Cornerstone City, Ibadan, during the visit of the Ekiti and Ondo states chapters of the Fellowship, led by the duo of Bishop Clement Abifade and Bishop Joshua Opayinka, also decried the tenure extension approved for the Inspector General of Police,IGP, Muhammed Adamu, arguing that he should instead tender his letter resignation in view of his abysmal performance as the IGP. ‘I am appealing to Your Excellency, Mr Governor, to let the sleeping dog lie. Respect the tradition and feelings of others. Avoid divisive politics that can set this nation on fire. Bring everybody together; don’t force hijab on our people, they won’t back down. Your Excellency, stoop to conquer; stoop for peace, stoop for harmony,” Oke said. Meanwhile, the students and teachers of the 10 mission schools run by the state government grant yesterday returned to classroom amidst tight security. The schools earlier closed by the government are C&S College Sabo Oke, St Anthony College, Offa Road, ECWA School, Oja Iya, Surulere Baptist Secondary School and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam. Others are CAC Secondary School Asa Dam, St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, and St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, St. James Secondary School Maraba, all in Ilorin, the state capital. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, however in a statement ordered security agents to deal decisively with anyone fomenting trouble irrespective of his or status, even as he lauded leaders of various religious bodies for their understanding and leadership over the last few days. When Vanguard visited the nine schools, some Muslim students were seen wearing hijab, while others did not use. But the situation was different at Cherubim and Seraphim College at Sabo Oke, Ilorin as the gates remained By Peter Duru M A K U R D I — COMMANDER of the Joint military operation in Benue State, Major- General, Adeyemi Yekini, has said over 700 different calibre of weapons have been recovered from bandits operating in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states. General Yekini, who spoke in Makurdi, said the operation had succeeded in restoring peace to the troubled communities in its areas of operation stating that, “when we look back to where Benue was when Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, came into the state you will realize that we have made a lot of progress. We recall that in 2018 the cry all over the country was #Pray for Benue. It was killing galore. But since the coming of OPWS, working in tandem with other security agencies on ground, we have been able to substantially improve security in Benue state. “So far we have recovered up to 700 different weapons, not just in Benue but including Nasarawa and Taraba states. And a good number of them were recovered in Benue State. ''Only this year alone we have recovered over 50 weapons in Benue alone between January and now. In terms of armed bandits being neutralized, I can tell you clearly that they are probably in their thousands. These were armed bandits who exchanged fire with the troops. And when you do that you are neutralized. “So, this is an ongoing operation and we have been able to ensure peace in Benue but we know that occasionally there could be a challenge here and there but we are on top of it all.'' •As students, teachers resume classes amidst tight security locked by 1.25 noon when the youths opened the gates from the inside for the teachers to enter. Vanguard gathered that despite the initial agreement by the church leaders, the youths disagreed and locked out the teachers, officers from ministry education and security officials, on the main road since morning. No student was seen around probably due to the pandemonium that broke out in the school on Monday. Vanguard also gathered that the church leaders have agreed with the state government to open the gates to enable the students and teachers resume academic activities, but some youths disagreed, allegedly holding everyone hostage. Over 700 weapons recovered from bandits in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa We know that Benue state is the food basket of the nation and I can say with confidence that the food basket triangle comprising Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states still remains the key areas in getting food supply in the country and that is possible because troops of OPWS and other security agencies are all working hard to ensure that we do not have such challenges that will deter our farmers from going to the farms. “As we speak if you go to Zaki Biam yam market there are hundreds of trailers loaded with yam being moved out of Benue to other parts of the country and all these wouldn’t have been possible if there are no security people on ground to ensure that things go on well. All we are saying is that the attack on Governor Ortom was an unfortunate situation.'' NGO, firm partner to drive women economic empowerment By Providence Adeyinka A Non-Governmental Organisation, Future Females Invest, FFI, is partnering with a firm, Old Mutual Insurance Company, to empower women with education to take charge of their situations in uncertain times. The partnership, one of the developments that marked this year’s International Women Day celebration, saw the two parties launching an initiative, known as “Ready to Inspire” a year round campaign that will enable women achieve their potentials, using knowledge, role models, webinars and coaching, among others. By the partnership, N1 million is expected to be made available in capital seed fund or COVID- 19 fund for businesses owned by women in Nigeria, while N500,000 is set aside for career development training, free coaching and mentoring for selected women. The campaign will reach 50,000 women through an innovative and compelling campaign across Nigeria over a 12-month period. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Co-founder/CEO, FFI, Ms. Aysha Tegally, said over the past decade, the Nigerian insurance industry had grown steadily, even when women do not understand the importance of insurance as a means of investment. Tegally said: “COVID-19 has turned the world upside-down, which is why we are living in extraordinary times. The way we work is changing and the economy and outlook is uncertain. Women have been disproportionately impacted and it is of paramount importance that women plan for their futures against this backdrop.’’ In her remarks, Executive Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, Old Mutual Nigeria, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, said the new innovative partnership leverages the respective strengths of Old Mutual and FFI to create compelling value for both companies and women.
Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 — 15 :Vanguard News Amotekun a forerunner to state police —Afenifere By Dayo Johnson AKURE—THE Pan- Yoruba Sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, said, yesterday, that the creation of the South- West security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, is a forerunner to state police. A delegation of the group led by its General-Secretary, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, said this during a visit to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, in Akure. Arogbofa commended the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum for his tenacity and bravery on the creation of Amotekun in the region. The Afenifere scribe said: “We salute your courage. We saw the Amotekun thing as a forerunner to the state police. “The creation of Amotekun is a forerunner to the state Police which Afenifere has always advocated. “What can any government do without security? The security of lives and property should be a priority. We commend you. “We acknowledge the leadership of Governor Akeredolu in bringing together the Southwest governors to tackle insecurity and making the security of lives and properties of the people a priority. Restructuring is not secession Final burial for Pa Iyaogeh April 2 THE Iyaogeh family of Apana- Uzairue in Etsako West local government area of Edo State has announced the transition to glory of Pa Thomas Iyaogeh, on November 20, 2020, and has since been buried. Final burial ceremony begins with traditional rites at Iyaogeh family compound, Apana- Uzairue, on April 2, 2021 at 9 am. Social outing will take place on April 3, 2021, at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, beside Azama Primary School, Jattu-Uzairue, at 12 noon, while thanksgiving service will take place at the same venue, at 8 am. • Late Pa Iyaogeh • Restructuring is not secession —Akeredolu Responding, Governor Akeredolu hailed Afenifere for acknowledging his efforts on security, while stressing that the security of lives and property is crucial. The governor said: “Thank you for noting our efforts on the security of the state. You have captured it succinctly in a way that you can’t put it better. We met with a lot of forces and it was not easy and it is still not easy. “When you are forced into a corner where you have a security outfit without the right to carry the right arms, but we thank God that in all of Amotekun’s efforts, we have not suffered any casualty. “Amotekun is going to be a forerunner for state police. We believe that our security architecture needs total restructuring. There must be a multi-level system of policing. “This is where I believe part of the issue of restructuring lies. People, who thought restructuring is about secession, are wrong. We must restructure fiscal policy. We must restructure to show true federalism. “President Muhammadu Buhari has done a few things on restructuring more than any President. But we are still clamoring for more. On ranching, he said: “We are not going to give our land to foreigners. But ranches are important.” Igwe Ogbobe loses wife THE traditional ruler of Uvuru, Uzo-Uwani LGA in Enugu State, Igwe Daniel Ogbobe, has lost his wife, Lolo Josephine Uzo- Onisha Ogbobe, after a brief illness, at the age of 75. Burial cceremonies will commence from May 14, 2021, with service of songs\requiem mass in the Igwe’s palace, Ugbene Uvuru, at 6pm. Lying in state will be on May 15, followed by funeral service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Uvuru. Interment and reception follow at the Igwe's palace and village square, respectively. She is survived by her husband, children grandchildren. and • Late Lolo Ogbobe :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 UNVEILING—From left: Risqat Kamson, Lagos State Quality Assurance Officer, TB Programme; Prince Elochukwu Adibo, Laboratory Director, EL-LAB Diagnostics and National President, Guild of Private Medical Laboratory Directors; Dr. Agbolagorite Olurotimi, Director of Disease Control, Lagos State, representing the state's Commission for Health, Dr. Sokoya, Lagos State TB Programme Manager; Dr. Ndidi Nwosu, Team Lead, IO. USAID ShopsPlus; Mrs. Ayodele Iroko, Senior Private Sector Advisor, USAID ShopsPlus, during the unveiling of 16 modular GeneExpert Tuberculosis testing machine, donated by USAID, in Lagos. South-West: Calls for secession out of frustration —Fayemi • As Yoruba group dares Akeredolu, plans 1m march in Akure • Yoruba in Diaspora hold dialogue on restructuring By Dapo Akinrefon, with agency report L AGOS—GOVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said yesterday that those calling for secession were doing so out of frustration. Fayemi spoke a day after his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, dissociated his state from the calls for the secession of the South-West from Nigeria. But the Ilana Omo Oodua, led by a renowned Professor of History, Banji Akintoye, yesterday, tackled Governor Akeredolu, saying he spoke only for himself, and not the people of Ondo State. Fayemi on secession Speaking on Arise Television yesterday, Fayemi said such agitation was expected, considering the stress and laxity in the society. The governor said: “Frankly, when you have stress and laxity in the society, you’re bound to find a whole range of responses. Some rational, some irrational, some that speak to the fears of the people, some opportunistic and harebrained. ‘’There’s no question that some of the reactions we’ve seen will fall into all of those categories.” While expressing optimism that the country would triumph and survive the challenges currently facing it, Fayemi said the time had come for the devolution of power, adding that the country needed to adopt other measures at managing its diversity. “I have gone on record to say that I have unfailing optimism that despite all our challenges, this country will triumph and we’ll survive current challenges. ‘’We, as leaders, must focus on the goal of protecting lives and property, and focus on safety and security as the primary responsibility that we have. “The people who are talking about secession, frankly, are doing it out of frustration. I don’t think that’s the solution to the Nigerian predicament right now. “In matters of economic development, we may need to begin to look at other ways of managing diversity and differences in our country and that devolution of power is an idea whlch time has come.” Yoruba group dares Akeredolu, plans 1m man march in Akure Reacting to Akeredolu’s declaration Monday that Ondo State would not be a party to the secessionist plan of such persons as Igboho, the Ilana Omo Oodua said the agitation for self-determination “shall be bloodless, intellectually rooted, legally grounded.” The group is the umbrella body of Yoruba Self- Determination Groups within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. In a statement by Messrs Kunle Adesokan and Folashade Olukoya, Ilana Omo Oodua challenged Governor Akeredolu to allow it hold its planned one million man march in Ondo State “without unleashing the instrumentalities of terror and state-sponsored commercial thugs on the masses of the state that desire an autonomous Yoruba Nation.” The statement read: “We wish to say very clearly that Akeredolu is entitled to his opinion. He has only spoken for himself. If he is sure he speaks for the classical masses of Ondo State, he should allow us to stage our one million march peacefully in Akure, Ondo State capital, to prove whether he spoke for Ondo State people or himself. “We are saying for the sake of clarity that what we declared is the sovereignty of Yoruba Nation from Nigeria and not secession from Nigeria. We want an autonomous Yoruba Nation. “We want to determine how we want to govern our people. We want to control and manage our resources. We want to police and secure the lives and property of our people. “We have made our position known. Our agitation for autonomous Yoruba Nation is legally grounded, intellectually rooted and it shall be executed By Olasunkanmi Akoni LAGOS—AMID the threat of secession in Nigeria, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, yesterday, urged religious leaders to support government in propagating peace, in the quest to build a better and thriving society. Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 40 days final burial ceremony of late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, held at the Police College Pavilion, in Ikeja. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, said: “Religion is the strongest pillar in Nigeria, people respect their religious leaders and they listen to without shedding of blood." Yoruba in Diaspora hold dialogue on restructuring Also, a Diaspora Yoruba coalition, Yoruba One Voice, YOV, is set to hold a webinar lecture on the current state of Nigerian federalism and what may become of it. In a statement by the Secretary- General of the Diaspora Group, Dr. Sina Okanlomo, the coalition said the webinar dialogue will hold on Saturday, March 27 at 5 pm Nigerian time. Okanlomo stated that the lead speaker for the dialogue is the renowned scholar of Legal History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Akin Alao. The theme of the dialogue, which will be live on Webinar, is: ‘Dealing With The Critical Fault- Lines Of A Federation: Is It To Unbundle Or Restructure The Leviathan?’ Secession: Lagos tasks religious leaders on peaceful coexistence them. So, please don’t leave the preaching of moral values to the government alone. “Nigeria must not disintegrate; men of honour must strive to hold the country together.” Also speaking, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State urged the Lagos State government to complete the Blue Rail, to ease transportation for the masses, saying: “It is a testament to the late Alhaji Jakande’s memory.” Tambuwal stated that the late Jakande had a huge impact on Lagos and the nation, having served the state with so much “compassion and humility.”. He urged all to learn from the late Jakande in terms of vision and commitment to building a viable state.
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