Connect with us

News

State police suffers setback as FG, govs’ January meeting fails

Published

on

The Federal Government’s promise to finalise discussions on state policing has once again stalled as the National Economic Council failed to convene its first meeting earlier scheduled for January 2025.

The council had previously deferred final resolutions on the creation of state police to January after securing written positions from the 36 states, with the majority backing the idea of state-controlled policing.

The council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shattima, comprises the 36 state governors, the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and select key government officials.

NEC’s deliberations also include consultations with sector experts.

Advertisement

According to sources in the Presidency and the Council, the NEC was set to meet on January 31, which was derailed by an emergency meeting of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Friday.

A source said, “We had suggested January 31 for the NEC meeting to finalise the discussions not only on state police but other matters as well.

“But PDP governors met on Friday. And these governors are part of the council. So, we had no choice but to stand down the NEC meeting.”

A senior official in the council also confirmed the abrupt shift.

Advertisement

“The council was to reconvene on January 31,” the official said. “However, some key stakeholders indicated they will be attending the PDP Governors’ meeting. Without a quorum, there was no point going ahead.”

The push for state police gained fresh momentum at the 147th NEC meeting in December, where Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State revealed that all 36 states (excluding the FCT) had submitted their positions.

“I want to say here clearly that most of us are in agreement with the establishment of state police,” he said.

The Kaduna State governor explained that the consensus stemmed from various security challenges across states.

Advertisement

He highlighted the central issue of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria and the acute shortage of security personnel, including the police, army and other relevant agencies.

However, the council deferred conclusive discussions until January to allow for further engagement with other stakeholders and to compile a comprehensive report at the NEC secretariat.

Addressing journalists, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the process was still in its infancy and would only take shape after more deliberations with stakeholders.

He said, “A lot of work must be done in that direction. But if our government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, this is a significant shift.”

Advertisement

As of the last NEC meeting, the implementation of state police remains only in the planning stages as the Federal Government and state authorities continue to haggle on the constitutional amendments required to empower states to establish and manage their police forces.

News

Gov Oborevwori’s top aide suddenly resigns from govt

Published

on

By

In a shocking political move, Harrison Gwamnishu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization, has tendered his resignation, citing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of escalating insecurity across communities in the state. Gwamnishu submitted his resignation letter on Friday, April 25, 2025, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State. He emphasized that his decision followed “considerable reflection” and was driven by a “deep sense of disappointment” over the administration’s failure to act on security concerns he consistently raised.

In his letter, Gwamnishu detailed his efforts to draw the government’s attention to the worsening security situation, including numerous messages, calls, and submission of blueprint documents proposing actionable solutions.

However, he lamented that all attempts were “thrown out,” and meaningful solutions were “not being accepted” by the administration.

“As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community,” Gwamnishu wrote. “However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.” He further stated that his resignation is intended to serve as a wake-up call to the administration, urging it to prioritize the safety and security of Delta State citizens.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Just in: Senator Natasha tenders satirical ‘apology’ to Akpabio

Published

on

By

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has penned a biting, satirical letter of “apology” to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, laced with sarcasm and veiled criticism. The letter, which surfaced on social media on Sunday evening. The post read:

From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

Advertisement

How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

FG warns against growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa

Published

on

By

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday raised the alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, which is increasingly targeting vulnerable young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, especially in crypto-related operations.

The warning comes after the recent rescue of about 231 Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities in Accra, Ghana.

The victims were rescued and are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra.

Advertisement

The government said, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.”

The Ministry therefore warned Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

Advertisement

“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa further stated.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News