News
Stampedes: Police, not poverty, caused loss of lives – Falana knocks security agents
Human rights activist and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN, has blamed the Nigerian Police for the recent stampedes in parts of the country.
Falana stated this on Friday in Akure during a programme organised by the Ondo State Government tagged Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series to honour the late governor.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that topic of the of the lecture was; Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace Stability and Development; The Ondo State Example.
Falana blamed the Nigerian Police for the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja where over 65 persons died in the process of collecting palliatives.
According to him, the police failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.
“It was failure of security, it’s not poverty that caused all the loss of lives.
“If there is any process, or gathering, they (Police) shall provide security,” the lawyer said.
Falana said that Ondo State has become a reference point for states in the country by ensuring peace in the state through the creation of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun by Akeredolu.
He said Akeredolu dared the Federal Government to create the state Amotekun which could be likened to a state police.
Falana also said that the greatest tribute of the legacy of Akeredolu was the recent meeting by all the 36 State governors in Abuja with the the Federal Government for the creation of state police.
Falana commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the legacies of late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of of Ondo State.
“The greatest tribute that can be paid to Akeredolu since he passed on, has come from unexpected quarters.
“The President and governors recently met and approved the creation of state police in Nigeria.
“That is the greatest tribute. Ondo State has exported the Amotekun phenomenal to Nigeria.
Later, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said that he remained the number one legacy of Akeredolu, who made no mistake about who to succeed him.
Aiyedatiwa said that his predecessor must be celebrated for his selfless service and fight for the advancement of democracy and rule of law in the country.
He said the state government rather than celebrate one year in office which coincided with the death of Akeredolu, chose to accord premium to his remembrance.
“Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country.
“His leadership was not only marked by integrity, transparency and a deep understanding of the needs of our people, Akeredolu also implemented various initiatives geared towards transforming Ondo State,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, commended Falana for always speaking for the masses and acknowledged the legacies of Akeredolu.
Also, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman, SUBEB, lauded Aiyedatiwa for continuing the legacies and projects initiated by Akeredolu.
News
SAD: Akwa Ibom deputy Gov’s daughter given private funeral
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi on Friday buried her late daughter, Blessing-Eyakenyi Olumuyiwa Adewumi.
The private funeral which took place in a cemetery in Uyo had family members and few close friends of the family in attendance.
Blessing Eyakenyi who got married 7 months ago died on Sunday, 5 months to her 30th birthday.
According to family sources to who spoke to TheMail, Blessing had a miscarriage following a 5-month pregnancy. Unsuccessful efforts were made to save her in hospitals in Port Harcourt and Owerri.
Governor Umo Eno had paid a condolence visit to the family at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge in Government House following his arrival from Lagos on Tuesday evening after being honoured at the ThisDay Newspaper Awards as ‘Governor of the Year’ a day before.
A memorial service in Blessing’s honour has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Insight Bible Church, Uyo.
News
JAMB Postpones 2025 UTME Registration to February 3
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a shift in the commencement date for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. Initially scheduled to begin on Friday, January 31, 2025, the registration will now start on Monday, February 3, 2025.
According to JAMB, the adjustment is necessary to implement crucial changes to its registration templates. The modifications follow the recent suspension of certain law programs in selected universities, as communicated to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.
A statement issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, also revealed that the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers had secured approval through fraudulent means. This development has necessitated further scrutiny and the disqualification of such centers to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
“The Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience,” Benjamin stated.
He assured that the additional time would be used to implement all necessary adjustments to facilitate a seamless registration process.
News
Anambra monarch fingered In Community’s Insecurity Scandal
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There is looming tension in Enugwu-Agidi community over the arrest of a suspected kidnapper Chukwudi Tansi by Soludo’s Agunechemba team .
Recently , the Social media was awash with news about the arrest of Chukwudi Tansi, a member of the Enugwu-Agidi Community Vigilante, apprehended with a cache of firearms, which exposed his alleged involvement in criminal activities that have long plagued Enugwu-Agidi community.
What adds more fuel to the fire is the implication of the traditional ruler of the community in the unfolding drama, as revealed by the President General (PG) of the community, Hon Chukwuebuka Onuorah
Speaking to journalists, the PG, Mr. Onuorah, expressed vindication . He pointed fingers at the traditional ruler for nominating Tansi to the community Vigilante despite prior warnings from the PG about Tansi’s possession of firearms.
Speaking further, Onuorah said he went as far as writing to the Inspector General of Police, citing threats to his life and the illegal possession of weapons by Tansi, a willing tool in the hand of the traditional ruler.
Part of his letter to the Inspector-General of Police reads:
“After my inauguration, I have received series of threats from the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Agidi HRH Mike Okekeuche of Umuakwuelo-Etiti village, Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria, ranging from forceful invasion of my residence and privacy and restriction of my free movement.
On Friday, 29th March, 2024 at exactly 11:07am, my residence was surrounded and invaded by heavily armed unknown faces who later introduced themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force, claimed to be acting on the instructions of HRH Mike Okekeuche, took me to an unknown destination, but I return glory to God, that the unknown gun men vehemently warned me to denounce my position as the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Nigeria (EBU-NIG) so that Igwe’s choice will be installed and later released me unhurt.
“The Igwe HRH Mike Okekeuche, through one Chukwudi Tansi and Okonkwo Clement Ugochukwu, well-known members of outlawed IPOB, who parade themselves as soldiers and moving around the community with AK47 rifles have on several occasions attacked me with their guns, threatening to kill me, except I resign and step down from my position as the President General of my Community, and Igwe’s choice installed, that even the local Police are afraid of them. The confidence reposed on me by the good people of Enugwu-Agidi, I do not wish to give away; hence I had to run away for my dear life.
“Sir, in this circumstance, I am writing this petition with hope of consolation vis-a-vis calling attention of Police IRT, Abuja whose track record in tackling heinous crimes is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf in Nigeria, to arrest, and prosecute the above named unscrupulous criminal elements and all that are involved no matter whose ox is gored. Peradventure my complaints get to you late, and my life taken away, you should at least know my killer for I do not wish to join the long list of unresolved murders”.
Corroborating the PG’s account, a social media user from Enugwu-Agidi, Ezeobi, raised pertinent questions about influential figures aiding Tansi’s evasion of justice despite his involvement in serious criminal activities.
In light of these revelations, the PG is now urging for a thorough police investigation to expose the support network shielding individuals like Chukwudi Tansi.
-
Opinion13 hours ago
NCC’s 50% Telecom Tariff Hike: A Necessary Step for Industry Survival or a Burden on Nigerians?
-
Economy13 hours ago
Naira rebounces again, gains 1.6% against Dollar at official market
-
News18 hours ago
Top 10 African countries who received most U.S. HIV/AIDS Assistance in 2024
-
News19 hours ago
NYSC reveals when members will start earning N77k monthly
-
Sports18 hours ago
AFCON 2025: Tanzania ready to face Super Eagles, others — Ali David
-
News18 hours ago
Matawalle To Amaechi: Stop Fueling Violence Or Face Fire
-
News12 hours ago
Just in: PSC orders immediate retirement of officers above 60 or with 35 years of service
-
News18 hours ago
They’ll Soon Send Us All To Jail— Atiku Slams Tinubu’s Govt