By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has hammered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) handling of allegations against ex-Kogi Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, accusing the agency of embarrassing the nation and compromising the anti-corruption campaign.

“The EFCC’s actions have not only brought embarrassment to our nation but have also fueled the perception that the anti-corruption campaign has been compromised and politicized,” stated Comrade James Ezema, CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

The CNPP criticized the EFCC’s methods, particularly the “gestapo-style raid” on the Kogi State Governor’s lodge in Abuja, after Bello voluntarily surrendered. This approach has led many Nigerians to question the EFCC’s true intentions

Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering, totaling N80.2 billion, alongside three other suspects. The EFCC had previously attempted to arrest him on April 17, 2024, ahead of his scheduled arraignment on April 18, 2024.

The CNPP demanded that the EFCC cease its “wanton dramatization” and redirect efforts towards genuine anti-corruption initiatives, providing clear explanations for its contradictory actions. The CNPP stands in solidarity with Nigerians advocating for transparency and fairness in EFCC operations.

“We stand in solidarity with Nigerians who seek transparency and fairness in EFCC’s operations,” the CNPP stated, highlighting Bello’s willingness to cooperate, demonstrated by his voluntary surrender and ongoing legal representation.

The CNPP urges the EFCC to adhere to the rule of law, rather than political expediency or personal vendettas, and restore its integrity by focusing on the genuine fight against corruption.

“The actions of the EFCC must be guided by the rule of law, rather than political expediency or personal vendettas,” the CNPP emphasized.

As the situation unfolds, the CNPP stated they will continue to monitor developments closely and demand accountability from the EFCC.

A two time gubernatorial apsirant in Edo state and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) High Chief Jacob Idinye has strongly condemned the clampdown on the leaders of his party (PDP) as the state prepares for guber election on Saturday, September 21, 2024 which is less than 48 hours.

High Chief Idinye on Tuesday, September 19, 2024 made the remark at the Benin airport in a chat with some journalists, urging the security agencies to halt the indiscriminate arrest and allow peace to reign and make the election to be free, fair, transparent and credible.

He noted that no amount of intimidation, arrest, victimization and harassment would make the APC win the governorship election, stressing that the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo is the best man for the Edo State top job.

The PDP chieftain added that the unlawful arrest was the handiwork of the All Progressives Congress even as he called on the heads of the Military, NSCDC, Police and DSS to be neutral, unbiased and act within the ambit of the law.

He said, “Many PDP leaders, including the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogun, were being kept in dungeons on the orders of the APC. Similarly on Thursday, in Etsako East Local Government Secretariat of our State, men of the DSS invaded the facility and made arrest of high profile members of our party. As I speak to you youths from the Etsako East are on rampage over the intimidation and harramennt meted on Engr D Dee ilugbekhai and many others.

“We also have on record from the PDP situation room that APC Branch of the Nigerian Police have arrested another popular politician simply known as O3 in Okpella.

“I also heard from good authority that angry protesters besieged the Palace of the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom in Estako Local Government Area of Edo State, demanding the immediate release of PDP leaders who were arrested across the council area. The Chairman of Etsako local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, who also reacted to the incident, called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff and other security agencies to abide by their promises of remaining neutral in the Edo Governorship election. She expressed worry over the arrest of PDP leaders across the council area. This is a serious matter and we expect APC to protect our democracy not tearing it apart”

He continued, “Let the APC explain to us where our members and leaders are being taken to. They should also explain to the world why they not been charged in court since their arrest? Instead, the APC has been boasting of their plans to attack, intimidate, and harass PDP members and supporters.” Idinye demanded.

Idinye however called on the President of Nigeria to nip the ugly development in the bud to allow peace to triumph:

“It is our expectation that President Bola Tinubu will immediately order DSS personnel out of the Council headquarters to avoid the destruction of life and property in Etsako East Local Government, we dont want a situation where people will be forced to resort to self-defence by defending their fundamental human rights to vote in the Edo State Governorship election. We are known to be law abiding, therefore the government of the day must create an enabling environment to sustain that excellent virtues that our people are known for.

“Members of the APC are obviously intimated by the 8 years of excellent works of Governor Godwin Obaseki. We can all see the progress he made in infrastructure, human capital development, security, education of our children and his hands can also be felt in his technology-driven operations within the state’s civil service. Edo State public and civil service is number one in Nigeria. Obaseki has done well and I urge voters to make the right decision in the Saturday election to maintain this momentum and vote PDP.

“Electing leaders who lack experience and ideas could be disastrous for Edo state. Our candidate, Asue Ighodalo is a capable leader, who would continue Obaseki’s work, I appeal to voters to defend their votes to ensure Edo’s continued development. Asue Ighodalo is the best man for the job and by God’s grace he will record a landslide victory to the shame of opposition especially APC and LP.”

*** Orders strict traffic law enforcement

By Francesca Hangeior.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on Thursday, lamented the spate of fatal road crashes in September.

He specifically raised concerns about the accidents that occurred on September 8 in Niger, September 12 in Sabon Wuse, and September 15 in Kaduna State.

These three incidents, according to him, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 91 lives.
Speaking during a meeting with fleet operators and other stakeholders in Abuja, Mohammed expressed frustration that despite the government’s efforts to provide and maintain transport facilities according to global standards, many drivers continue to undermine these efforts with reckless behaviour on the roads.

He said, “While the Government continues to do its best to provide and maintain transport facilities in accordance with global best practices, some road users, especially drivers, have continued to make a mockery of this concerted effort by exhibiting a high level of recklessness on the roads.

” In the last month or thereabout, the Corps witnessed 3 landmark crashes that were caused by negligence, fatigue, speeding, night trips and dangerous driving. These three landmark crashes include that of Niger State which occurred on 8 September 2024 and killed 48 people, that of 12 September 2024 which killed 18 people in Sabon Wuse and that of 15 September 2024 which happened in Kaduna State leading to the death of 25 people.

“These 3 crashes alone, which proved to have been obviously avoidable, claimed the lives of 91 people. This is alarming and it calls for concern.”

Mohammed ordered commanding officers to ensure round-the-clock enforcement of traffic laws.

He also disclosed that a special operation would be conducted to checkmate the incessant accidents recorded across the country.

Mohammed said, “I am compelled to state that the spate of the crashes recently recorded is, however, very disturbing and every step must be taken to avert continued future occurrences. It is against this backdrop that I have directed Commanding Officers to ensure round-the-clock enforcement of traffic offences to mitigate these excesses. A special patrol operation will be instituted and enforcement will be carried out nationwide.”

Speaking, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, Abubakar Shettima, dismissed the allegations linking the group to some of the accidents in the country.

He said, “We transport highly inflammable products through our trucks, and all the allegations being made are unfounded. We collaborate with NARTO and PTD.

” NARTO represents the truck owners, while the tanker drivers are our drivers. We always come together to make important decisions regarding safety, as it is our top priority, and we take it very seriously.

” Mohammed has been doing his best to reduce road accidents involving trucks. We’ve taken precautions, such as prohibiting our members from driving at night and advising them to rest if they feel sleepy. NARTO has also begun building rest parks for drivers to use when they need to take a break.”