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Reps Okay State Police Bill For Second Reading

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, “A bill for an to alter the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police and for related matters. M
This is part of the efforts by the 10th National Assembly toward devolution of powers, which has gained momentum on the floor of the House.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that in the 7th and 8th Assembly the same bill seeking to establish State Police, was thrown out by the then legislature due to party interest by lawmakers; as many had feared that political opponents would use it in their favour.
The bill which is been reintroduce in the 10th Assembly is sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and 14 other lawmakers.
The proposed private members’ bill 18 clauses, seeking to alter Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153, 197, 214, 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to  transfer Police from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List, with a view to effectively empower States to have State-controlled policing.
Leading the debate on general principles of the bill on Tuesday at plenary, Rep. Tolani Shagaya, representing IlotinWest/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara state, decried that Nigeria, a federation of 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, with 774 LGAs, over 250 ethnic nationalities, more than 200 million citizens and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometres, sadly still operates a single centralised police system that employs less than 400,000 police officers and men.
“There is no gainsaying that the nation’s security architecture is under immense pressure and always overwhelmed”, he lamented.
According to him, “The bill emerges as a necessary response to several calls for a decentralised and community-oriented approach to law enforcement. It seeks to navigate the complex landscape of security challenges by empowering our States with the means to address issues unique to their localities.
“This proposed alteration represents not just a legal adjustment to our grundnorm, but a visionary leap towards a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria.”
Shagaya explained that the proposed bill seeks to introduce a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion as well as accountability and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police.
“The provision of prescribed rigorous safeguards preventing unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police Affairs, emphasising collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances.
“The establishment of State Police Service Commissions as distinct from the Federal Police Service Commission with clearly defined roles and jurisdictions.
“A re-calibration of the National Police Council to include the Chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasising the collaborative and consultative nature of policing in our federal system.
“A recognition of the possible financial challenges which may be faced by States Police, by empowering the Federal Government to provide grants or aids subject to the approval of the National Assembly, thus ensuring adequate resources for effective policing, etc”, the lawmaker added.
Contributing to the debate, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, described the bill as timely, eve as he argued that security is the responsibility of all the Citizens.
Rep. Jaha stated that with community policing and Nigerian police working in tandem, they will rid our communities of all forms of crime.
Alss speaking in favour of the bill, Chairman House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, underscored the need to empower the Nigeria Police to license any State that expressed intent and furthermore meet the requirements set by the Police Service Commission.
Rep. Benson also noted that the Nigeria Police may renew the license or otherwise if such a State abused the licence.
He therefore expressed optimism that when put in place, State Police license would reduce unemployment and reduce the burden on recurrent expenditure from the Federal Government.
On his part, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, supported the bill, even as he lamented that Nigeria has had enough of insecurity.
Rep. Abiante said that establishing State Police is a sure way of guaranteeing security of lives and property amidst current security challenges.
The lawmaker also expressed optimism that the proposed bill when passed into law will cure the tragedy of military decree of 1966, he therefore underscored the need for deliberate efforts toward ensuring that the law is well drafted to meet the security needs of the country.
Rep. Ali Madaki, lawmaker representing Dala Federal Constituency of Kano State, who was a member of the 7th Assembly, confessed to be part of the death of State Police bill in the seventh Assembly, and revealed that the fear was to avert a situation where State Governors will use the State Police for political opponents.
Madaki admitted that the whole country was on fire, and that the bill when passed into law will enable each State to deploy the State Police in such a manner to address their peculiarities.
Rep. Marie Ebikake, lawmaker representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa state, supporting the bill, urged lawmakers not to entertain any fears when the bill is passed because the benefits are  overwhelmingly outweighs the disadvantages.
She explained that so many States have security outfits, that could be strengthened and incorporated into the State Police
Also speaking, Rep. Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, said that about 21 States including Benue, Taraba States are caught up in the socio-political, ethno-religious crises across the country.
He noted that some of the States clamouring for the establishment of State Police are not economically viable, but he however, acknowledged that State Police is a noble idea, though capital intensive.
Rep. Soli, cited a situation where a State Governor who denied a political opponent from landing at the airport, hence argued that such a Governor is capable of using the State Police for coercion of the opposition.
To this end, he urged the lawmakers to put all issues into perspective before enacting the law.
Rep. Ademorin Kuye, representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, argued that with 400,000 Policemen to 200 million Nigerians, Nigeria is under-policed.
He noted that deployment of a Police officer to a State that he is not familiar with will make him inefficient and ineffective in the course of discharging his duties.
Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Usman Kumo, said there was the need to address some of the grey areas and concerns raised during previous Assemblies.
Rep. Kumo who lamented over the incessant killings across the country, berated Federal Government for failing to provide funding for the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Police.
He stressed that the current 400,000 Police workforce is inadequate, and argued that the long stay of military has put Nigerian Police which has the sole responsibility of providing internal security across the country in the background.
He said that there is nothing that stops the Federal Government from declaring state of emergency in the Nigerians police with a view to recruit adequate number of youths into the security agencies.
Also speaking, Rep. Benedict Itanabene, representing Okpe/Saoele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta state called for the establishment of a distinct police structure for over 20 years.
He further noted that mere use of State Police sends wrong signal that Governors will be in control of the State Police.
He therefore urged the House to delete the word ‘State’ from the bill, and called for decentralization of the Federal Police by using Police Command.
In his intervention, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary urged the lawmakers to put the nation above personal or sentimental gains.
The House unanimously passed the bill and the presiding officer refered the bill to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution amendment for further legislative action.
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LET THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE BE*

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The hurriedly written press statement by the embattled Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU recently impeached as Exco of the FCT Council of the NUJ is really sad, appalling and completely unwarranted.
It is a brazen attempt by them to usurp the powers of the National Secretariat of the Union.

Article 5(9c, d) of the NUJ Constitution is so unambiguous that does not need any interpretation.

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Article 5 sub section 9(C) states inter alia; “The Credentials Committee at the National level shall act independently of the President, National Secretary and any other National Officers, while the Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be independent of State officers of the Union but shall be responsible and answerable to the National Secretariat.

5 (9d) The Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be nominated by the State Congress subject to the approval of the National Secretariat.”

From the constitutional provisions, it is clear that the Committee is not in any materia particula answerable to any ‘Executive’ Committee member of the Council but the National Secretariat. And not to the already impeached Patrick-led Exco.

It is more worrisome that this so-called cut and join chairman is oblivious of the constitution he swore to defend. What do you expect of a place -holder chairman?

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More importantly, since the National Secretariat has communicated with the Committee to go ahead with its mandate, the outgoing ‘Executive’ Committee has no locus standi in the matter whatsoever.

It is also an irony to note that the outgoing Chairman and Secretary could shamelessly claim that our respected former Chairman of Council, Mr AMOS DUNIA took over proceedings of the Extraordinary Congress. Both officers are obviously having selective amnesia. It’s appears they forgot how they came cap-in-hand to beg former leaders to come to their rescue. What can be farther than the truth. Whereas, members were told at the beginning of the Monday Extraordinary Congress that the Committee of elders and former Chairmen of Council, mandated MR. DUNIA to conduct the affairs of the Congress following the VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE passed on the Patrick Osadebamwen-led Executive by the Congress the preceding Saturday.

It is really shameful that an Executive that was saved from being disgraced and booted out of office can still have the temerity to openly and outrightly dish out tissues of lies to the public. What a shame!

The question to ask remains, if Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU who has indicated interest in contesting the election, now want to act and take decisions on behalf of the National Secretariat.

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Members are aware of the antics and game being played to cover up shady deals perpetrated these past six years and we are watching.

We say NO to the attempt to usurp the constitutional role of the National Secretariat by Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU.

Enough is enough!

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#EndBadGovernance Protest: Reps Minority Caucus Demands Justice, Compensation for Victims Arrested

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…commend President Tinubu for swift intervention
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention in securing the release of 76 young people who were arrested and charged with terrorism, treason, and arson after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The Caucus praised the President’s directive, which led the Attorney-General of the Federation to take control of the case and ultimately withdraw the charges. The detained individuals, who were reportedly held for 95 days, have now been freed.
In a statement signed by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi, they expressed satisfaction with the President Tinubu’s responsiveness to public outcry and international pressure; the caucus however, stressed on the need for further actions to ensure accountability.
“We strongly call for an investigation, prosecution, and discipline of individuals and agencies involved in this despicable and inhuman act that has brought shame to our nation. Those responsible for the unjust detention of these children, keeping them away from school, work, and their families, must face the law,” the statement said.
The Minority Caucus also drew attention to the psychological and health impacts the children may have suffered during their detention, and urged the federal government to provide reformatory therapy and medical support for the victims as they reunite with their families.
In addition they called for compensation for the children and their families to address the emotional and financial hardships caused by their unlawful detention.
The Caucus hopes these measures will serve as a deterrent and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
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NNPCL Debunks Video Claiming Sale Of Adulterated At Keffi Flyover Outlet

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed claims made in a viral video giving the idea that adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was been sold at one of its retail outlets.
The video reveals a person pouring a dark liquid, claimed to be PMS, and allegedly purchased from the NNPC Retail station at the Keffi Flyover.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer,
NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, on Thursday in Abuja, he described the claim as false and clarified that its outlets do not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans, as depicted in the video.
Soneye reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining strict quality control measures and adherence to high standards to ensure safe and reliable products.
The statement reads: “We have carried out spot checks at all our outlets and found this claim to be false. The product was not, and could not have been bought from any NNPC Retail outlet as the company does not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans as displayed in the video.
“NNPC Retail Ltd does not deal in adulterated products as it adheres to rigorous standards and quality control measures at every stage in its operations,” said Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPCL”.
The NNPCL further urged the public to disregard the video and be cautious of individuals spreading false information.
“Members of the public should discountenance the spurious claims made in the video and be wary of selfish and unpatriotic elements pushing such narrative as they do not mean well for the country,” the statement added.
The Company reassured customers of its commitment to quality, and highlighted its dedication to ensuring accurate pump integrity through regular inspections and calibrations across all its stations nationwide.
This according to the CCO this underscores NNPCL’s commitment to delivering safe and high-quality petroleum products while upholding its reputation as a trusted supplier.
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