News

We have no hand in the death of the Police Officers – Shiites Cry Out

Published

3 months ago

August 26, 2024

Austin Ojomah

…..They killed themselves and put the blame on us

By Ojomah Austin.

The proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites have denied claims that they murdered two police officers during a clash with the security agency.
Naija News recalls that two police officers were gruesomely killed on Sunday, following a bloody clash between operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and members of the IMN.

The command while reacting to the incident, accused the Shi’ite sect of an “unprovoked attack” on its men at Wuse junction by a traffic light.

The command said the group attacked its men with stones, wielding machetes, locally made explosives, and knives.

However, the IMN, while speaking with The Whistler, denied the allegations by the police.

A leader of the IMN group, Abdullahi Musa who led the procession on Sunday in Abuja, told the publication that the police command opened fire on its unarmed” members during a procession, which he described as “religious” observed by Shi’ites across the world.

He insisted that police officers in plain clothes killed their colleagues so they could put the blame on them.

Musa explained that the two-day trek which kicked off on Saturday, was aimed at joining its members around the globe in solidarity against the brutal assassination of Imam Husain (AS), a revolutionary leader who sacrificed his life fighting against injustice, tyranny and oppression.

Musa revealed that contrary to the narratives of the police, its members had duly informed the public, through a statement and the FCT Police Command through a letter, issued by its lawyer before embarking on the procession.

He said, “Before we embarked on this procession, we had issued a statement since Friday, to let the public know that the usual Arbaeen trek is going to take place on Saturday and Sunday, and this statement was published

“The commissioner of police was invited and he was fully aware. Before we came in the morning, they had asked us where we were starting the procession and we told them. We decided to divide ourselves into two. The initial plan was to take off from Banex so that people could converge at the Wuse market bridge.

“Unfortunately, early in the morning on Sunday, the police went and dropped six vans of fully armed policemen at Banex and Berger under the bridge. When we saw this, we decided to change routes, so we would not have issues with them because we know they usually attack us.

“If police came to protect you, would they come with armoured tanks and boxes of ammunition? Will they come to protect you during a procession, is that how they do? because this is not the first time, they always attacked us.

“We decided to go to Wuse Zone 3 junction and then trek to Wuse market, but before we arrived at Wuse market, we heard that they had arrested some of our brothers and sisters.

“We didn’t talk to them, but as we arrived at Wuse market, Wallahi, I swear to God almighty, I was in the front, and we were holding placards and citing in Arabic, ‘Imam Husain, we are with you and we are matching in solidarity’ and carrying flag signifying ‘Ashura’ and these people opened fire, not even tear-gas.

“They opened fire with live ammunition, I was there, and everybody started running. So, I am not aware of all these allegations they are saying that our people killed police. How? Were we armed? We were not armed. We were only carrying placards. Is a placard a weapon? If the people knew that we were armed, they would not face us.”

In a further response to the police report of razing police vehicles, Musa said, “Today we found out that there is a brother who was arrested by Policemen in mufti, looking like Agberos (touts). It is the policemen in mufti that set those vehicles ablaze.

“If there is any officer that was killed, he was killed by his fellow officers in mufti or uniforms. We do not kill anyone, but advocate for a better life for Nigeria.”

News

Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Austin Ojomah

A group under the aegis of Core Public Servants, CPS hail President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr Adebowale Adedokun, a thoroughbred Procurement officer as the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

CPS in a congratulatory letter signed by Kudirat Akindero to Adedokun lauded President Tinubu for following due process and picking the most qualified to run the affairs of the soecialised agency.

In the letter, the ADSC said:

“Congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, PhD (MCIPS, CMILT), on his appointment as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“This significant achievement reflects his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing public procurement in Nigeria.

“With over 20 years of robust experience in public service, Dr. Adedokun has made substantial contributions to procurement reform.

“His distinguished academic background includes a doctorate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, complemented by four master’s degrees in Procurement, Finance, Technology, and Transportation Management.

” This diverse educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in procurement processes.

“In his career, Dr. Adedokun has held pivotal roles, including serving as a National Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on public procurement reforms.

“He represents Nigeria in the International Research Study on Public Procurement (IRSPP) and serves as a World Bank Resource Person on Sustainable Procurement. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his training of over 4,000 federal and state government procurement professionals nationwide.

” Additionally, he has been instrumental as the focal point officer for the UN Women Project aimed at empowering women in procurement in Nigeria and as the Project Coordinator/Procurement Node for the SPESSE – World Bank Project.

“Dr. Adedokun’s professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), UK; Chartered Membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT); Fellowship in the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Fellowship in the Institute of Management Consultants (ICMC), Nigeria; membership in the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACArb); Fellowship in the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); membership in the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM); and membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

In recognition of his consistent contributions to reform, Dr. Adedokun was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition by USAID’s Nigerian Reforms Project in July 2009.

As he assumes the role of Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun’s extensive knowledge and experience are anticipated to significantly contribute to the agency’s strategic repositioning.

” His leadership is expected to advance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public procurement system.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun on this well-deserved appointment.

News

Brain Drain, Infrastructure, Resource Allocation Challenges Of Health Sector – Reps

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has highlighted the detrimental impact of the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, describing it as a major challenge to the country’s healthcare system.

The Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions, Rep. Amos Magaji, stated this during a public hearing on 16 bills aimed at establishing various health institutions, on Thursday in Abuja.

Rep. Magaji underscored the need for better distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to address population growth and healthcare gaps.

He noted, “Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures,’ leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed. To improve the sector, we must invest in human resources, medical intelligence, and the administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit.”

The Chairman also brought to light the infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare institutions across the country, citing inadequate funding, lack of maintenance, and insufficient equipment as recurring issues.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, in his submission warned against the duplication of health institutions, and stated that such efforts would strain the already scarce resources.

He explained, “Existing Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers in Nigeria, including those in the North West, already provide cardiovascular care and related services. Establishing a new institute would add financial burden without addressing the core issues.”

Pate also acknowledged the migration of health workers and the need for a stronger workforce to handle emerging health challenges.

“The Federal Ministry of Health supports the establishment of new institutions but insists on considering geographical spread, population density, and disease burden in proposed locations,” he added.

The hearing emphasised the need for balanced development in the healthcare sector, adequate funding for existing institutions, and policies to retain health professionals in Nigeria.

News

Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

Published

4 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.

Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.

This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.

According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.

AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.

**Key statements on the acquisition:**

– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said: “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”

Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”

Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.

The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.