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State Police: Reps Commit To Provide Needed Framework, Legislation, Oversight

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to providing the right frameworks, legislation, and oversight to make state policing work for the betterment of Nigerians.

Kalu stated this at a one-day National Dialogue on State Policing with he Theme: Pathways to Peace: Reimagining
Policing in Nigeria, said the dialogue will look into critical issues, gather valuable insights, and explore data-driven approaches.

He said: “We understand the importance of getting this right.

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“The information and recommendations gathered here will be crucial in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria

“We are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can establish a policing system that is not
only effective in combating crime but also earns the trust of Nigerians and
cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve”.

The Deputy Speaker explained that with about 370,000 police officers in Nigeria, the ratio of one police is 1:600 which is way higher that the United Nations ratio of 1 police to 450 people.

This he is not enough to attend to the humongous security challenges bedeviling the country.

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“The escalating security challenges facing our country demand innovative
solutions and candid discussions. The National Assembly, particularly the
House of Representatives, recognizes the gravity of this situation and is
firmly committed to exploring all viable options that will lead to a safer and
more secure Nigeria for its citizens.

“The United Nations recommends a police-to-citizen ratio of 1:450 (one police officer per 600 citizens). Regrettably, Nigeria’s current reality falls far short of this benchmark. As reported by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in November 2023, Nigeria has a national police force of approximately
370,000 officers. This translates to a concerning ratio of roughly one officer
per 600 citizens. This significant understaffing is further compounded by resource deficiencies.

“Since 2016, estimates suggest over ₦5 billion has been paid in ransoms to
kidnappers, a figure that starkly exposes the alarming growth of this
criminal enterprise in the country. Furthermore, the 2024 Global Terrorism
Index paints a concerning picture, ranking Nigeria fourth in Sub-Saharan
Africa and eighth globally for countries most impacted by terrorism.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for a multi-layered policing
approach that prioritizes local security and enables a more responsive
policing environment in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Discourse: Divergent Paths
Nigerians are understandably divided in their proposed solutions to the
nation’s security challenges. One school of thought advocates for a return
to multilayered policing. Proponents of this approach argue for the
re-establishment of state police forces to operate alongside the existing
federal police structure. They believe this competitive model would
incentivize states to prioritize security within their territories, ultimately
attracting businesses and residents while boosting state economies
through increased job creation and tax revenue.

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“Conversely, others maintain that the current unitary system can be
reformed to address security concerns. These individuals acknowledge
shortcomings in past policing practices but believe a revamped federal
model can be optimized for improved national security. It is pertinent to
note that regardless of these arguments, the subnationals in Nigeria
already practice some forms of multi-layered policing – from the Amotekun
in the South West to the Ebube-Agu in the South East as with the pioneer
Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East geopolitical zone.

“The House of Representatives is currently considering Bill HB.617, a
Constitution Alteration Bill on State Policing sponsored by myself and
thirteen esteemed colleagues. This national dialogue presents a valuable
opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas on the most effective path
towards establishing state policing in Nigeria. Through open discussions
and a thorough examination of all perspectives, we can identify the optimal
strategy for a more secure and peaceful Nigeria”, Kalu added.

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Rupture In PDP Governors’ Forum deepens

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By Ojomah Austin.

 

The evolving fall-out, which comes barely days to the contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) of PDP, followed a back and forth between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Governors forum, who declared support for Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara to be made leader of the party in the state.

After a meeting with some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed, said “According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated,” stressing that Damagum would be replaced soon considering that he hails from North East and not the North Central.

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Same day, Makinde, during the groundbreaking of the upgrading of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to an international airport, which was attended by another set of NWC members, led by Damagum, said he would support whatever decision the Damagum-led NWC would take to reposition the party.

Damagum, who is considered a close ally of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, was appointed acting national chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu in June 2023.

Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP led by Senator Adolph Wabara, met with members of the National Assembly caucus in Abuja.

The close door meeting comes barely hours after the BoT met with Wike in Abuja.

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While Wabara refused to comment on the essence of the meeting with the lawmakers, it was noticed that most of the lawmakers didn’t honour the invitation.

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Tears As Man Takes Own Life Over Tinubu’s Govt Hardship

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By Mario Deepromoter

Sad development in Marika village, Kiyawa Local Government, Jigawa, where a 40-year-old man, Jibrin Adamu, committed suicide by hanging himself.

According to eyewitnesses, Adamu’s lifeless body was discovered in a classroom at Miftahul Khairat Islamiyya and Primary School Gurdiba on Thursday.

Police spokesperson DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations revealed Adamu had struggled with mental health issues.

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“Police received a report on Thursday that at about 1830hrs, a tragic incident was reported at the Command headquarters that one Jibrin Adamu ‘m’ age 40yrs of Jigawar Maroka village, Kiyawa LGA has committed suicide by hanging himself over the ceiling at Islamiyya school,” the Police spokesperson told Daily Post.

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, has instructed officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

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Just in: Dangote Petrol Now Available at N765.99 Per Litre

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By Mario Deepromoter

11plc, Total Energies, AA Rano, and other marketers have begun lifting Dangote Petrol through Nigerian National Company (NNPC) Trading Limited for N765.99 to retail outlets nationwide.

Findings showed some petroleum marketers who were able to complete their payment process on the NNPC trading payment portal commenced the lifting of petrol earlier this week under the existing agreement between marketers and the refinery.

Tunji Oyebanji, managing director, 11Plc confirmed to BusinessDay on Thursday evening that some marketers have started lifting the products at N765.99 from Dangote Refinery through NNPC who remain the sole off-taker of product.

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“We were among the first marketers to complete the payment on the NNPC portal. We have no direct arrangement with the refinery,” Oyebanji said.

It was gathered that NNPC Retail, 11plc, Total Energies, A.A Rano are among the marketers that have picked up products from the refinery.

He added, “We don’t know the contractual financial arrangement between NNPC and the refinery but what I can confirm is we are buying at N765.99 from NNPC to lift Dangote petrol”.

Efforts to get the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to confirm if its members have picked up products at the Dangote Refinery proved abortive at the time of writing this report.

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See also Nigeria’s Petrol Landing Cost Revealed
Adedapo Segun, executive vice-president, downstream at NNPC said marketers cannot purchase petrol directly from the refinery because the product is still sold at a subsidised rate.

“That is the same thing happening with Dangote. I said earlier that Dangote is a company and it is going to sell at market price,” he told Journalists.

According to Segun, “The market value of PMS is still higher than what N766 or N765 or N799 that NNPC is selling.

“The situation has not changed there. So, NNPC’s off-taking is only because the others would not buy at the price Dangote will be willing to sell, which is reasonable.

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“As soon as the price allows for it, you will see the marketers go to Dangote and buy.”

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