News
Benue NASS Caucus slams Gov Alia’s blame game amidst heavy security challenges
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By Emma Agaji
The Benue State National Assembly Caucus has strongly criticized Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, accusing him of prioritizing blame-shifting over addressing the pressing security challenges facing Benue residents.
The caucus condemned the ridiculous activity of the Governor, who spoke in vernacular that “It has been discovered that some members of the National Assembly wrote a letter in the name of the State Government and took the letter to the border between Nigeria and Niger and invited Fulanis to come to Benue State as there is no longer any problem.
These are the bucket people (empty, hollow people) that we are dealing with. This is why you have seen the influx of herdsmen with cattle into the state everywhere now. The people who have done these are indigenes of this state. You wonder what they are even thinking. Their target is to discredit my administration. But no one can discredit my government.”
The caucus, led by the Minority leader of the Senate, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, vehemently refuted these allegations, labeling them as baseless, malicious, wicked and a deliberate attempt by the governor to evade his constitutional responsibilities, divert attention from the governor’s ineptitude and incite the good and suffering people of Benue State against their lawmakers who are only speaking on their behalf as their representatives.
The caucus further states unequivocally that they are NOT authors of any such letters) let alone take same to borders between Nigeria and Niger to invite Fulanis to come to invade their beloved State.
The caucus notes with dismay that the outing of the governor in the said video show that he has completely run out of ideas on what to do to secure the state.
Addressing journalists after a caucus meeting, Senator Moro emphasized that the accusations were not only malicious but also aimed at diverting attention from the governor’s lack of effective governance.
Furthermore, the caucus expressed disappointment in Governor Alia’s use of derogatory language towards members of the National Assembly, highlighting their educational qualifications and commitment to serving the people of Benue.
The caucus asserted that their advocacy for improved security measures in the state is devoid of political motives and solely driven by the desire to protect the lives and property of Benue residents.
They called upon the relevant security agencies to investigate the governor’s allegations thoroughly, dismissing them as unfounded and ludicrous.
Reacting further, the caucus urged Benue residents to disregard the governor’s attempts to shift blame and emphasized the importance of prioritizing security and governance over political gamesmanship.
News
Tinubu Fires Top Appointee Over Alleged N1.4 Billion Embezzlement
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President Bola Tinubu has sacked Sani Auwalu Balarabe from his position as HoD, Chief of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, ICOH, over an alleged embezzlement of N1.4 billion during his tenure.
As far as one could gather from the People’s Gazette, the appointment of Balarabe was terminated on the 18th of July, following a spate of petitions that related to financial misconduct and investigations. The president appointed one Taiwo Olaniyi to replace him.
In January, several petitions were sent to the House of Assembly, EFCC, Ministry of Health, and other government agencies to investigate activities of Balarabe at ICOH. The petitions leveled accusations against Balarabe, saying that he had not conducted any research despite the institute receiving huge budgetary allocations, which is its core mandate.
One of the petitions dated January 16 had this: “Despite all these budgetary allocations, the centre has not produced a single oral health research project, which is its core mandate and the reason for its establishment.
It further brought to the fore that projects initiated under Balarabe’s administration, such as the construction of a remodeled dental clinic and administration block and the procurement of project vehicles, costing over N700 million, were never completed.
The petitions also accused him of backdating the appointment letters for new staff and paying them arrears of their salary, with such money to be returned to a particular account. These funds are said to have been applied toward some expenses at ICOH.
The sacking of Balarabe clearly typified President Tinubu’s commitment to corruption fighting and making those in charge of public institutions accountable.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
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