News
Okuama crisis : ‘You’ve no constitutional right to order military to fish out perpetrators’, Falana blasts Tinubu
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Femi Falana has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering the Nigerian Army to fish out the perpetrators of the crime committed against its personnel in Delta state.
This is as the seasoned lawyer knocked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, saying he doesn’t have the right to send the Nigerian Army to investigate the carnage that happened in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta state. On the contrary, the activist and Eminent lawyer urged the president to recognize the fact that it is the role of the Police to investigate such matters while the military is saddled with issues of external aggression.
Falana, SAN noted that when a retired Army General was murdered in the North a few years back, it was the police that was saddled with the internal task of fishing out the perpetrators of the illegal, gruesome act of murder and not the Army.
Falana who spoke during an interview with CHANNELS TELEVISION on Monday explained that because of the loss in the judicial system, some Nigerians are applauding the military for invading the community because everybody embraces mob justice.
According to him, the President cannot order the military to go after civilians involved in the heinous act, noting that it is the job of the police.
His words: “On the night of the 16th, angry soldiers stormed Okuama village and set it on fire. For me, it is unavoidable. You can’t blame soldiers alone because there is a general notion in society that because of loss in the judicial system, everybody embraces mob justice. Even the statement of the President yesterday (Sunday). We are in a democratic system of government. The President cannot order military authorities to fish out civilians involved in a heinous crime. That is the duty of the police.”
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, by the Spokesperson of Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, disclosed that a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers, were all ambushed and killed by local youths on Thursday while responding to a distress call arising from a communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
Since the development, reports have emerged that some unknown arsonists invaded the coastal Community of Okuama in Delta State to set it ablaze in what many strongly alleged was a reprisal attack from the Nigerian Army over the killing of their personnel by irate youths in the area.
It was gathered that the community located between Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, went up in flames and chaos following the discovery of beheaded and mutilated bodies of 16 military personnel who were killed while allegedly on a peacekeeping mission.
Source: Newdiplomat
News
President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
News
HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
News
Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager
The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.
The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.
“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.
According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law
“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.
Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.
Below is the full statement:
KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED
The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.
The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.
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