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Crisis: Rivers ALGON chairman pleads with Tinubu, NLC to stop members of NULGE from staging another sponsored protest
…says Rivers NLC and NULGE has been infiltrated by Fubara.
…Settled Members with Caretaker Cttee appointments
…Caretaker Committee Members make a U Turn.
…lists names of beneficiaries
Chairman of Rivers State ALGON chapter, Hon. Allwell Ihunda has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu and the national body of organised Labour to stop members of NLC and TUC from orchestrating further damage to the state via another sponsored protest.
He also noted that Rivers NULGE and Labour have been infiltrated by the State Governor Sim Fubara who offered NLC and ALGON membership of caretaker committee appointments.
Ihunda made this disclosure this while briefing journalists in Portharcourt on Sunday declaring that:
“The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State Chapter has become aware of the orchestrated plans of the leadership and members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Rivers State and its collaborators to destabilize the fragile peace prevailing in Rivers State.
On Monday the 24th day of June, 2024 they’re storming and attacking the Police officers stationed at the various Council Secretariats in Rivers State under the guise of protesting against the presence of the Officers of the Nigerian Police securing the Council premises.
“This plan which was conceived, fertilized and hatched by the officials of NULGE in collaboration with the officials of the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Siminialayi Fubara, is designed to over-awe the Nigerian Police and chase them away from securing the Council Secretariat so that the illegal Care-Taker Committees recently appointed and sworn in by the Governor of Rivers State to operate from “anywhere” can break into and take over the Council Secretariats and give themselves the cover of legitimacy using the Council Secretariats.
He however listed the list of the beneficiaries as follows:
Mr. Big-Joe Ntar, Chisa Ordu, Azubuike Edward, Kingsley Ogwe, Daniel Wisdom, Kpobari Zarakpege, Chinwe Nmerukini, Ngozi Okenwe
” Some of the NULGE officials and members appointed into the purported Care-Taker Committees include the following:
1. Engr. Thankgod Ichem
Ikwerre LGA Care-Taker Committee
Tai LGA Care-Taker Committee
Ahoada West LGA Care-Taker Committee
Ahoada East LGA Care-Taker Committee
ONELGA Care-Taker Committee
Ogu/Bolo LGA Care-Taker Committee
Gokana LGA Care-Taker Committee
PHALGA Care-Taker Committee
Emohua LGA Care-Taker Committee
10.
Michael Onwuli
Omuma LGA Care-Taker Committee
11.
Jamena Erokosima
12.
Lolo P. Clifford
13.
Abigail Chiolu
14.
Okorite Bobmanuel
15.
Ishmael Idante
16.
Isaiah Daniel Obianime
17.
Gilbert Onyewaji
18. Christian Nwanwho
19.
Mimi Gospel
Degema LGA Care-Taker Committee
Asari-Toru LGA Care-Taker Committee
Obio/Akpor LGA Care-Taker Committee
Akuku-Toru LGA Care-Taker Committee
Andoni LGA Care-Taker Committee
Okrika LGA Care-Taker Committee
Abua/Odua LGA Care-Taker Committee
Oyigbo LGA Care-Taker Committee
Eleme LGA Care-Taker Committee
20. Jumbo Neena ere
21. Florence Nwala
Khana LGA Care-Taker Committee
Etche LGA Care-Taker Committee.
“These individuals and those who are priming them to be used for the pursuit of this devious scheme do not seem to care about the well-being of the people of Rivers State and the imperative for the preservation of peace, law and order in Rivers State.
“NULGE
has been infiltrated and compromised by the Governor of Rivers State and its officials and unsuspecting members are now being hoodwinked and drafted into fighting, under the guise of protest, as foot soldiers to promote the divisive partisan private interest of the Governor.
“Against this background, we want to use this medium to once again call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene by calling the Governor of Rivers State to order with a view to avoiding a breakdown of governance, law, and order in Rivers State.
“We call on national leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and all well-meaning Labour and Trade Unions as well as Civil Society Groups to take proactive steps to prevail on the NULGE officials in Rivers State to jettison the planned protest and confrontation with the Nigerian Police which may plunge our dear Rivers State deeper into avoidable crisis and possible loss of lives.
” We call on the well-meaning members of NULGE in Rivers State to recognize the planned protest/demonstration as an orchestrated scheme to lure them into fighting for the promotion of the private agenda of some selfish individuals and politicians and to shun the planned protest/demonstration and patiently await the peaceful resolution of the legal issues involved in Local Government Administration in Rivers State which are already pending before courts of competent jurisdiction.
” No good will come from needless protests and confrontation with law enforcement agencies who themselves are patiently awaiting judicial determination of the issues involved.
” Let us all keep fate with the due process of the rule of law for in the fullness of time, sanity, normalcy and order shall be restored to the administration of Local Government.
News
Army acquires 43 drones, wings 46 Turkey-trained personnel
The Federal Government has bolstered the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily for deployment in the North-West theatre of operations.
The Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig. Gen. U.G. Ogeleka, disclosed this on Tuesday during the winging ceremony of 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.
The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region.
“Between May and September 2022, a team of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialised training in Turkey on the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones,” Ogeleka said. “The training crew included multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians.”
Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.
Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained personnel for the winging ceremony, noting that the others are actively engaged in operational duties.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the acquisition of the drones and the training of personnel as significant steps toward enhancing the army’s professionalism and combat readiness.
“The winging of these 22 officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers is a morale booster for others in service,” Oluyede said. “It confirms their readiness to operate and maintain the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in our inventory.”
Oluyede further revealed plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to strengthen military operations across all theatres in the country.
The drones will play a critical role in addressing security challenges in the North-West, a region plagued by banditry and insurgency.
Their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve national security and highlights the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its arsenal and build capacity within its ranks.
With more unmanned aerial systems set for acquisition, the military’s ability to conduct precise, real-time surveillance and combat operations is poised for substantial improvement.
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Ondo Assembly mulls 10-year jail term for land grabbers
The Ondo State House of Assembly is considering a bill that proposes harsh penalties for land grabbers, including up to 10 years imprisonment for forceful entry or illegal takeover of properties.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has further reinforced the fight against land grabbing by signing an Executive Order to prohibit such activities.
The order aims to end forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, and fraudulent or violent conduct related to land in the state.
To strengthen enforcement, the governor has established a Task Force to protect property rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a secure environment for property owners and residents.
The proposed bill also includes severe penalties of up to 21 years imprisonment for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.
Hon Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1, who sponsored the bill, spoke during a public hearing on the bill
Hon Ogunwumiju assured stakeholders that the bill would improve land administration, protect landowners, attract investors, and foster peace and development in the state.
He explained that the bill sought to regulate land dealings, protect landowners and buyers, penalise encroachers, and criminalise unregistered agents.
Ogunwumiju said the bill proposed penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forceful entry or takeover of properties and up to 21 years for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.
Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Olamide Oladiji, urged committee members and stakeholders to ensure the bill served the interests of the people.
He said the bill would maintain order in the state and impose necessary sanctions on offenders.
“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively.”
Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said the bill, would benefit the society at large
Ondo Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo said the bill would enhance land administration and complement the executive order signed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Stakeholders including traditional rulers called for full implementation of the bill when signed into law.
News
FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget
The federal government has made an allocation of N250 billion in the 2025 budget for the Lagos–Abuja mass transit rail project.
This budgetary investment is part of a broader plan to revitalize Nigeria’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
The government’s focus on infrastructure development is rooted in the belief that it is a cornerstone of long-term economic planning.
By investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, energy, healthcare, and education, the administration aims to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.
The Lagos-Abuja rail project, in particular, is expected to have a transformative impact on the Nigerian economy.
By improving transportation connectivity between two major economic hubs, the project will facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate economic activity.
Additionally, the project is expected to create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s overall employment rate.
The government’s infrastructure investments are also aimed at addressing regional disparities.
By connecting different parts of the country through improved transportation networks, the administration hopes to stimulate economic growth in underserved regions, reduce poverty, and promote equitable development.
The 2025 budget signals the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
By investing in critical projects like the Lagos-Abuja rail line, the administration aims to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and connected Nigeria.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective planning, efficient implementation, and transparent governance.
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